Quad Cities, IA/IL – A dangerous heat wave is set to engulf portions of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri starting Tuesday afternoon, with extreme conditions expected to persist through Thursday evening. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for several counties in the region, warning of dangerously high heat index values that could reach up to 110°F.
According to the National Weather Service, the heat watch will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday and continue until Thursday evening for areas including portions of Iowa (Clinton, Jackson, Jones, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque), Illinois (Carroll, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Whiteside), and parts of Missouri. The excessive heat and high humidity will pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
Residents are urged to take precautions as the intense heat and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses to increase significantly. The NWS recommends drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and seeking air-conditioned shelter whenever possible. It’s also crucial to check on relatives and neighbors, especially those who may not have access to cooling resources.
City-specific impacts include rising temperatures in major urban areas such as Davenport, Moline, Cedar Rapids, and Clinton, where the combination of extreme heat and humidity will make it feel much hotter than actual temperatures. Public health officials are advising people to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours and to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The extreme heat is expected to subside by Thursday evening, but more alerts could be issued if conditions worsen. Stay tuned for further updates and prepare for significant impacts over the coming days.
Five-Day Bullet Point Forecast:
- Tuesday: Scattered clouds, highs near 90°F, heat index reaching 105°F by afternoon
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, highs in the low 90s, heat index 110°F+
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, highs around 90°F, heat index near 110°F, possible heat advisories continuing
- Friday: Slight cooling with highs near 85°F, heat index around 100°F
- Saturday: Sunny with highs in the mid-80s, less humid
