Weather Headlines
- NEXT 9 HOURS: Some storms far north
- SHORT TERM: Hot, some storm chances
- LONG TERM: Waiting on relief
Latest Forecast
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – After that, another hot day is in store for Wednesday.
We’re watching for the potential of some storms in the far north tonight as a disturbance rides along the edge of this hot and humid air mass in the central United States. Right now, it appears the chance for storms will be higher north of the TV9 viewing area in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Still, it’s a close call, and some storms could move through our northernmost counties tonight. The time frame would be between about 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
A few of those storms could be on the strong side, and an isolated severe storm isn’t fully ruled out north of Highway 20. Damaging wind and large hail would be the main threats if storms are able to maintain their strength.
Isolated showers or storms could hang around in parts of the north on Wednesday, though most of us will start out with dry conditions.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for the shaded counties below. It’s been expanded in area, including more of eastern Iowa, and extended in time such that it’s in effect in all areas through 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.
We’re still in line to see a daily peak in our heat index readings during the mid-afternoon through early evening. These readings will reach the upper 90s for those north of U.S. Highway 20, with values reaching between 100 to 105 in the central and south. Those triple-digit heat index readings will be around for a couple of hours at a time. Some modest relief is possible Friday into Saturday, but more noticeable change holds off until later in the holiday weekend.
With temperatures this hot, and especially for this long, the risk for heat-related illness is high if you don’t take precautions to help keep yourself safe. First and foremost, avoiding exposure to the heat as much as possible is the best course of action. Drink plenty of water to help keep yourself hydrated. Avoiding sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks can help in this endeavor, too. Wearing lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes will give your body a better chance at regulating its temperature. If you must be outdoors, make sure to take plenty of breaks in air-conditioned spaces…