Des Moines, Iowa – A dangerous wave of extreme heat is set to blanket much of Iowa starting Saturday afternoon, with heat index values soaring as high as 110 degrees through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, an Excessive Heat Watch is in effect from 12 p.m. Saturday to 9 p.m. Sunday for nearly the entire state, including Polk, Linn, Black Hawk, Johnson, and Story counties. The combination of high humidity and temperatures in the upper 90s could push “feels-like” temperatures to life-threatening levels.
Cities such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Ames are expected to see prolonged heat Saturday into Sunday, especially during afternoon and early evening hours. Outdoor events and prolonged exposure to heat could lead to an increased risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, avoid strenuous activity during peak hours, drink water regularly, and check in on elderly neighbors. Those without air conditioning should seek cooling centers or public spaces.
This will mark the first significant heat wave of summer 2025, with the possibility of continued high temperatures into next week. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued.
