DES MOINES – According to the National Weather Service, a prolonged period of hot and humid weather will begin mainly in southern Iowa today, then expand and intensify Thursday through Friday and persist in some areas into Saturday.
The hottest conditions will come on Thursday and Friday, when heat index values climb into the 105 to 110 degree range each day. Little relief is forecast overnight as low temperatures will only range from the mid-70s to near 80 degrees in most areas.
The nature of the event will result in heat-related impacts, especially for vulnerable populations. All individuals are edvised to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and limit their time outdoors, stay hydrated, look before they lock, and check on others.
Severe weather
The potential for severe weather increases today and tonight across most of Iowa, with all modes of severe weather possible.
Damaging winds are the likeliest impact, beginning with a cluster of storms moving into Iowa this morning, along with flash flooding especially in the northeast tonight. Isolated tornadoes are also possible at times.