Extreme heat, with indices above 100 degrees, will sweep across Iowa this week and potentially into the 4th of July weekend.
“Triple-Digit heat indices are forecast for multiple days with little opportunity for overnight recovery,” the National Weather Service said as it issued a extreme heat watch for parts of northeast Iowa and an extreme heat warning for most of the state Sunday through Tuesday, June 30.
The heat comes after a week of mild, even cool weather.
Here’s the forecast for this sweltering week and what to know about how to stay safe in the heat.
Extreme heat to stick around for the 4th of July, forecast says
Beginning on Sunday, June 28, temperatures will rise early and increase throughout the day. It will be mostly sunny with a high near 94 and a heat index of 102, according to the forecast.
Monday, June 29, is expected to feel even warmer. The forecast predicts it will be sunny with a high of 96 and a heat index of 107. Severe, scattered thunderstorms are possible Monday night, with the highest risk in northwestern Iowa.
After the storms, which may bring high winds and hail, the heat is expected to stick around most of the week.
Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 95 and a heat index of around 102. Wednesday will also be mostly sunny with a high near 94 and a heat index of 98. Thursday will be sunny with a high of 94 and a heat index of 98. Friday will be sunny with a high near 95 and a heat index of 99.
The 4th of July will be just as hot, with a high around 95 and a heat index of 99.
Throughout the week, it will stay above 70 degrees overnight and ramp up early in the day.
The extreme heat and its persistence caused Polk County to activate its extreme weather plan, which opens cooling shelters across the Des Moines metro.
How to stay safe in extreme heat
The American Red Cross recommends staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, loose clothing, and staying inside in an area with air conditioning or taking cool showers or baths.
If exposed to extreme heat for too long, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat-related fainting, cramps, and rashes can occur. Staying cool is the best way to prevent these heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The National Weather Service asks residents to check in on elderly or ill neighbors and family members, recommends never leaving kids or pets unattended in vehicles, taking frequent breaks in the shade or inside, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day in the afternoon and early evening.
Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: A heat wave is coming to Iowa. Here’s what to know, how to stay safe
Reporting by Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
