High temperatures over the last week have hovered around the 100-degree mark and Iowans will have to endure at least one more day of extreme heat. In fact, National Weather Service meteorologist Rod Donovan says this could be the most uncomfortable day of the year so far.
“We’re looking at the hottest day of the year today. It very well should be the warmest day at many locations by a degree or two,” Donovan said. An excessive heat warning covers the entire state today as highs will range from 90 to 105. Slightly cooler conditions will finally arrive Saturday.
“We do have a cold front that’ll pass through during the day so you can expect slightly cooler temperatures with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s and a little lower humidity,” Donovan said. “The bigger relief will arrive Sunday into Monday where highs will be more seasonal with highs in the mid to upper 80s.”
A federal report released Thursday labeled most of Iowa’s counties as either “abnormally dry” or in a moderate drought. The situation is likely to worsen over the next week. “Storm chances are looking quite isolated over the next few days,” Donovan said.
The heat wave has stressed much of Iowa’s corn crop. The latest report from the U.S.D.A. rated 62% of Iowa’s corn as “good to excellent” – down from 82% at this time last year. A new crop report is due on Monday.