Extreme heat warning for western Iowa

Extreme heat warning for western Iowa
June 20, 2025

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Extreme heat warning for western Iowa

Summer officially arrived Friday — and the heat came with it.KCCI’s latest forecast shows highs in the mid-90s through Monday, with heat index values well into the triple digits. It only takes a few minutes for heat-related illnesses or fatalities to happen at temperatures that high. Scroll for daily forecasts, heat index maps showing the hottest spots in Iowa, locations of shelters and cooling locations in Polk County, plus tips to stay cool this weekend.KCCI ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook |YouTube | Instagram | TwitterTips on staying coolWATCH: How central Iowans can stay safe during the ongoing heat waveCooling centersPolk County officials have designated dozens of locations — city halls, libraries, malls and more — people can use as cooling centers during extreme heat. Use this map to find cooling centers closest to you along with hours of operation.Polk County announced Friday it would also open an overnight cooling center at Polk County River Place (2309 Euclid Ave.) from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday night into Sunday, and Sunday night into Monday.Dallas County also shared a list of cooling centers. You can find that list below.Hottest weather of the season on the wayTemperatures across most of Iowa, which were in the 80s Friday afternoon, but will warm into the mid-90s for Saturday and Sunday, with a heat index around 105 degrees.As temperatures and humidity soar outside, what’s happening inside the human body can become a life-or-death battle decided by just a few degrees. Make sure you understand the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.Organizer changes time limits to ‘Summer Sizzler’ baseball gamesAccording to information sent out to participating teams, Central Iowa Sports has reduced time limits for games at its “Summer Sizzler” baseball tournament this weekend. “Scheduled game times will NOT change,” organizers said. “We are reducing the time limits to give teams, players and umpires more time in between games to cool down, rest and hydrate.The following limits are in place for Saturday and Sunday games except for the Gold Championship games:9U – 14U games will be 90 minute time limit.8U games will be 80 minute time limit.7U games will be 60 minute time limit.Extreme heat warning through Sunday in western IowaAn extreme heat warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Sunday for three dozen counties in western Iowa, where heat index values up to 110 are expected.A heat advisory is in place for the rest of the state for the same time period.Saturday forecastSaturday: Windy with lots of sunshine. Hot. High near 96F with a heat index of 107. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph.Saturday night: Clear. Windy early. Low 78F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph.Daily record high for June 21 in Des Moines: 103 in 1988Sunday forecastSunday: Sunny with gusty winds. Hot. High 95F with a head index of 105. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph.Sunday night: Clear. Low around 76F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph.Daily record high for June 22 in Des Moines: 98 in 1988Monday forecastMonday: Mostly sunny skies during the morning hours. Thunderstorms developing in the late afternoon or evening. High near 94F with a heat index of 105. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.Monday night: Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.Daily record high for June 23 in Des Moines: 103 in 1934Power outages across central IowaPower outages in the Des Moines area dropped from over 2,000 around 7:30 a.m. to about 350 at 9. At its peak, MidAmerican’s reporting system showed more than 1,500 people in Norwalk without power, but that’s been restored for most. MidAmerican also reported power out for nearly 2,400 people in the Waterloo area, which by 9:30 a.m. had dropped to 1,000.Another 1,000 don’t have power in the Eldora area, according to Alliant Energy, which is also reporting an outage in the Marshalltown area affecting nearly 800.Eldora City Hall and the Hardin County Courthouse are closed Friday, along with several other businesses in the area. Norwalk reopened its city hall once power was restored. Flash flood warning in Waterloo areaA flash flood warning is in effect through 2:45 p.m. Friday for northeastern Grundy, southeastern Butler and a large portion of Black Hawk County. According to rainfall reports as of 10 a.m., Waterloo had already gotten nearly 2 inches of rain in the last several hours. Additional rainfall of 1 or 1.5 inches could still come, according to the National Weather Service. Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses is possible, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Allison, Evansdale, La Porte City, Hudson, Parkersburg, Reinbeck, Dike, Aplington, Elk Run Heights, UNI-Dome and McLeod Center, Waterloo Municipal Airport, Crossroads Mall, Janesville, Washburn, Raymond, Gilbertville, New Hartford and Stout.Officials warn that driving in flooded areas can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your vehicle and potentially cause injuries or death for motorists.Photos of storm damage in EldoraBen Humphrey shared these photos of storm damage Friday morning in Eldora.Severe thunderstorm warning east of Des Moines expiresSome Iowans woke up Friday morning to severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm warning that included parts of Poweshiek and Jasper counties expired at 7 a.m.Penny-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts were reported in the storm, which can cause damage to roofs, siding and trees. Another severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 7:15 a.m. for northern Cerro Gordo County, in the Mason City area. Quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts were reported.Keep an eye on weather across Iowa with KCCI’s skycamsWeather watchers can keep an eye on conditions by checking our skycam page, which shows aerial views from 20 sites across the state.Emergency sheltersWhile Polk County’s Extreme Temperature Plan is in effect, emergency shelters will be open for people to stay cool and get any care they may need. DART offers free rides to anyone trying to get to any of the locations.Polk County shelter locations are as follows:Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines: Open to families601 Grand Ave., Des MoinesCentral Iowa Shelter and Services: Low-barrier shelter for individuals over 181420 Mulberry St., Des MoinesChildren and Families of Iowa: Safe shelter for people fleeing domestic violence1111 University Ave., Des MoinesEllipsis: Shelter and programs for youth under 18 involved in child welfare or the juvenile justice system918 SE 11th St., Des MoinesHawthorn Hill: Shelter for families and children3001 Grand Ave., Des MoinesHope Ministries Bethel Mission: Shelter for men1310 6th Ave., Des MoinesHope Ministries Hope Center: Shelter for women and children6701 SW 9th St., Des MoinesIowa Homeless Youth Center: Shelter for people ages 18-24612 Locust St., Des MoinesCool off at a central Iowa pool or with an ice cream treatCheck out our guide to pools, aquatic centers and spraygrounds around the metro. Looking to beat the heat with a sweet treat? We’ve got a list of central Iowa ice cream shops right here.How to stay safeKeep windows closed and covered. Utilize AC if possible and avoid letting sunlight inIf you don’t have AC, identify areas nearby that have AC, like malls or coffee shopsTake it easy and don’t overexert yourselfOnly go outside in the morning and evening in the coolest parts of the dayStay hydrated, drink plenty of fluidsWhen outside, seek out shade, wear a hat and protective sunblockWear loose, lightweight clothingTake cool showers or bathsHow does excessive heat affect people?The human body is constantly monitoring our temperature and keeping it in a delicate range from between 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets too hot, the whole body works hard to lower the temperature. The heart works especially hard to pump warm blood to the surface of the body to cool down. This can be taxing for those with heart problems and can eventually result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even organ failure and death.Young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and anyone spending extra time outdoors are especially at risk for heat-related illness.Polk County leaders say people should know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, headache or fainting.Doctor Brooke Johnson with UnityPoint Health said if you have heat exhaustion symptoms, the best place to go is the emergency room — not urgent care.”If it’s someone who really is to the point of needing IV fluids, then they most often come to the emergency rooms,” she said. “We’re able to check their electrolytes, we’re able to give some fluids if we need and actively resuscitate those patients who are dehydrated from the heat.”You should never leave young children or pets alone in a car, even if you think the AC is running. It takes only about 10 minutes for temperatures in a car to exceed 110 degrees even if left in the shade. Those temperatures can kill a child or a pet within minutes.Summer safety: Never leave people, pets unattended in hot vehicles

Summer officially arrived Friday and the heat came with it.

KCCI’s latest forecast shows highs in the mid-90s through Monday, with heat index values well into the triple digits. It only takes a few minutes for heat-related illnesses or fatalities to happen at temperatures that high.

Scroll for daily forecasts, heat index maps showing the hottest spots in Iowa, locations of shelters and cooling locations in Polk County, plus tips to stay cool this weekend.

KCCI ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook |YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

Tips on staying cool

WATCH: How central Iowans can stay safe during the ongoing heat wave

Cooling centers

Polk County officials have designated dozens of locations — city halls, libraries, malls and more — people can use as cooling centers during extreme heat. Use this map to find cooling centers closest to you along with hours of operation.

Polk County announced Friday it would also open an overnight cooling center at Polk County River Place (2309 Euclid Ave.) from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday night into Sunday, and Sunday night into Monday.

Dallas County also shared a list of cooling centers. You can find that list below.

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Hottest weather of the season on the way

Temperatures across most of Iowa, which were in the 80s Friday afternoon, but will warm into the mid-90s for Saturday and Sunday, with a heat index around 105 degrees.

As temperatures and humidity soar outside, what’s happening inside the human body can become a life-or-death battle decided by just a few degrees. Make sure you understand the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

Hearst Owned

KCCI’s Heat Index forecast over the next week

Organizer changes time limits to ‘Summer Sizzler’ baseball games

According to information sent out to participating teams, Central Iowa Sports has reduced time limits for games at its “Summer Sizzler” baseball tournament this weekend.

“Scheduled game times will NOT change,” organizers said. “We are reducing the time limits to give teams, players and umpires more time in between games to cool down, rest and hydrate.

The following limits are in place for Saturday and Sunday games except for the Gold Championship games:

  • 9U – 14U games will be 90 minute time limit.
  • 8U games will be 80 minute time limit.
  • 7U games will be 60 minute time limit.

Extreme heat warning through Sunday in western Iowa

Hearst Owned

Heat Warnings and Advisories in effect until Sunday evening for all of Iowa

An extreme heat warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Sunday for three dozen counties in western Iowa, where heat index values up to 110 are expected.

A heat advisory is in place for the rest of the state for the same time period.

Saturday forecast

Hearst Owned

Heat Index forecast for Saturday afternoon

Saturday: Windy with lots of sunshine. Hot. High near 96F with a heat index of 107. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph.

Saturday night: Clear. Windy early. Low 78F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph.

Daily record high for June 21 in Des Moines: 103 in 1988

Sunday forecast

Hearst Owned

Heat Index forecast for Sunday afternoon

Sunday: Sunny with gusty winds. Hot. High 95F with a head index of 105. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph.

Sunday night: Clear. Low around 76F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph.

Daily record high for June 22 in Des Moines: 98 in 1988

Monday forecast

Hearst Owned

KCCI’s latest heat index forecast for Monday, June 23, 2025.

Monday: Mostly sunny skies during the morning hours. Thunderstorms developing in the late afternoon or evening. High near 94F with a heat index of 105. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.

Monday night: Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.

Daily record high for June 23 in Des Moines: 103 in 1934

Power outages across central Iowa

Power outages in the Des Moines area dropped from over 2,000 around 7:30 a.m. to about 350 at 9. At its peak, MidAmerican’s reporting system showed more than 1,500 people in Norwalk without power, but that’s been restored for most.

MidAmerican also reported power out for nearly 2,400 people in the Waterloo area, which by 9:30 a.m. had dropped to 1,000.

Another 1,000 don’t have power in the Eldora area, according to Alliant Energy, which is also reporting an outage in the Marshalltown area affecting nearly 800.

Eldora City Hall and the Hardin County Courthouse are closed Friday, along with several other businesses in the area.

Norwalk reopened its city hall once power was restored.

Flash flood warning in Waterloo area

A flash flood warning is in effect through 2:45 p.m. Friday for northeastern Grundy, southeastern Butler and a large portion of Black Hawk County.

According to rainfall reports as of 10 a.m., Waterloo had already gotten nearly 2 inches of rain in the last several hours. Additional rainfall of 1 or 1.5 inches could still come, according to the National Weather Service.

Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses is possible, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Allison, Evansdale, La Porte City, Hudson, Parkersburg, Reinbeck, Dike, Aplington, Elk Run Heights, UNI-Dome and McLeod Center, Waterloo Municipal Airport, Crossroads Mall, Janesville, Washburn, Raymond, Gilbertville, New Hartford and Stout.

Officials warn that driving in flooded areas can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your vehicle and potentially cause injuries or death for motorists.

Photos of storm damage in Eldora

Ben Humphrey shared these photos of storm damage Friday morning in Eldora.

Severe thunderstorm warning east of Des Moines expires

Some Iowans woke up Friday morning to severe thunderstorms.

A severe thunderstorm warning that included parts of Poweshiek and Jasper counties expired at 7 a.m.

Penny-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts were reported in the storm, which can cause damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Another severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 7:15 a.m. for northern Cerro Gordo County, in the Mason City area. Quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts were reported.

Keep an eye on weather across Iowa with KCCI’s skycams

Weather watchers can keep an eye on conditions by checking our skycam page, which shows aerial views from 20 sites across the state.

Emergency shelters

While Polk County’s Extreme Temperature Plan is in effect, emergency shelters will be open for people to stay cool and get any care they may need. DART offers free rides to anyone trying to get to any of the locations.

Polk County shelter locations are as follows:

  • Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines: Open to families
    • 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines
  • Central Iowa Shelter and Services: Low-barrier shelter for individuals over 18
    • 1420 Mulberry St., Des Moines
  • Children and Families of Iowa: Safe shelter for people fleeing domestic violence
    • 1111 University Ave., Des Moines
  • Ellipsis: Shelter and programs for youth under 18 involved in child welfare or the juvenile justice system
    • 918 SE 11th St., Des Moines
  • Hawthorn Hill: Shelter for families and children
    • 3001 Grand Ave., Des Moines
  • Hope Ministries Bethel Mission: Shelter for men
    • 1310 6th Ave., Des Moines
  • Hope Ministries Hope Center: Shelter for women and children
    • 6701 SW 9th St., Des Moines
  • Iowa Homeless Youth Center: Shelter for people ages 18-24
    • 612 Locust St., Des Moines

Cool off at a central Iowa pool or with an ice cream treat

Check out our guide to pools, aquatic centers and spraygrounds around the metro.

Looking to beat the heat with a sweet treat? We’ve got a list of central Iowa ice cream shops right here.

How to stay safe

  • Keep windows closed and covered. Utilize AC if possible and avoid letting sunlight in
  • If you don’t have AC, identify areas nearby that have AC, like malls or coffee shops
  • Take it easy and don’t overexert yourself
  • Only go outside in the morning and evening in the coolest parts of the day
  • Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids
  • When outside, seek out shade, wear a hat and protective sunblock
  • Wear loose, lightweight clothing
  • Take cool showers or baths

How does excessive heat affect people?

The human body is constantly monitoring our temperature and keeping it in a delicate range from between 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets too hot, the whole body works hard to lower the temperature. The heart works especially hard to pump warm blood to the surface of the body to cool down. This can be taxing for those with heart problems and can eventually result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even organ failure and death.

Young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and anyone spending extra time outdoors are especially at risk for heat-related illness.

Polk County leaders say people should know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, headache or fainting.

Doctor Brooke Johnson with UnityPoint Health said if you have heat exhaustion symptoms, the best place to go is the emergency room — not urgent care.

“If it’s someone who really is to the point of needing IV fluids, then they most often come to the emergency rooms,” she said. “We’re able to check their electrolytes, we’re able to give some fluids if we need and actively resuscitate those patients who are dehydrated from the heat.”

You should never leave young children or pets alone in a car, even if you think the AC is running. It takes only about 10 minutes for temperatures in a car to exceed 110 degrees even if left in the shade. Those temperatures can kill a child or a pet within minutes.

Summer safety: Never leave people, pets unattended in hot vehicles

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