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An Excessive Heat Warning is posted from 1 p.m. today through 7 o’clock Saturday night for most of Iowa, except for the far northeast and east-central counties, and those areas are under an Excessive Heat Watch.
The storms that brought torrential rain to much of Iowa Tuesday also ushered in a big change in the weather. National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Boksa says extreme heat will settle over the region today. “It’ll be very oppressive. We’re looking at heat indices of 105 to 110,” Boksa said. Heat index values will climb even higher Thursday — to 110 or more.
“Then, on Friday across the south, heat indices will once again be 105 to 110. So, very oppressive stretch of days coming up,” Boksa said. A very slight cool down is expected on Saturday, when actual temperatures are forecast between the upper 80s and low 90s. Health officials are warning Iowans to limit their time outside over the next few days to reduce the risk of heat illness or even death.