By Beacon Staff
Southeast Iowa is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Thursday night (July 29). The heat index will reach triple digits today and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The advisory issued by the National Weather Service went into effect at 11 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, July 28). The forecast called for the heat index to reach as high as 105 degrees today and 107 degrees Thursday.
The National Weather Service says the heatwave is dangerous, especially to those without access to air conditioning. Never feel hesitant to dial 911, the weather service said in a statement.
“Heatstroke is an emergency,” said meteorologist Tim Gross.
The advisory covers most of the Midwest, including portions of northeast Missouri, east-central and southeast Iowa, and northwest and west-central Illinois.
The actual temperature will be much lower than the heat index, with the weather service predicting a high of 93 degrees today and Thursday. The extremely high humidity will push the usual dangers of summertime heat to a much more dangerous degree.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” Gross said.
In addition, the weather service advises those who work or spend time outside to reschedule, if possible.
“Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible,” Gross said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
Beyond The Heatwave
While today will continue to stay dry, forecasters say there is a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon. That increases to a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms later Thursday night.
Temperatures will return to late July normal after the heat advisory ends Thursday night, with a high of 83 degrees forecast for Friday (July 30). But there is also a 50 percent chance of rain Friday night, and Saturday’s high of 82 degrees brings a 40 percent chance of rainfall.
By Sunday, Aug 1., skies will again be clear, with the high hovering around the 83-degree mark.