Des Moines and several other parts of Iowa are all set to face another round of extreme summer heat. With high temperatures and unbearable humidity, the heat index is expected to hit near 105°F on both Friday and Saturday. Health experts and local officials are urging people to stay safe and take the warnings seriously, especially in the central and southern regions of the state.
Heat Advisory in Effect for Central and Southern Iowa
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for Friday, covering major cities like:
Des Moines
Ottumwa
Marshalltown
Ames
Creston
These areas could feel the worst of the heat, with temperatures reaching the triple digits and heat index values around 105°F. While northern Iowa may be slightly cooler, weather experts say thunderstorms could still affect the heat levels across the region.
How Dangerous is This Heat?
This kind of heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. When the heat index goes over 100°F, your body struggles to cool down, and this raises the risk of:
Heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, dizziness, tiredness)
Heat stroke (high body temperature, confusion, unconsciousness)
These heat-related illnesses can come on fast, especially for:
Children
Elderly people
Outdoor workers
People with health issues
Stay Safe with These Easy Tips
To help avoid heat-related problems, the NWS and health experts suggest these simple steps:
Stay indoors during peak heat hours (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty
Avoid outdoor work or exercise in the afternoon
Wear light, loose-fitting clothes
Use a fan or air conditioning
Take frequent breaks if you have to be outside
Check on neighbours, especially the elderly or those with health problems
Never leave pets or kids in a parked car, even for a minute
Storms Could Bring Some Relief—But Also Uncertainty
There’s a small chance of isolated or scattered storms late Friday and Saturday. While storms could lower temperatures briefly, they also bring unpredictability. Depending on how and when they hit, they may or may not reduce the overall heat index in certain areas.
When Will It Get Better?
The worst of the heat should ease by Sunday, when the forecast shows:
Highs in the upper 80s
Lower humidity
Mostly sunny skies
But the humidity is expected to return early next week, and more heat advisories are possible depending on how the weather shifts.
Des Moines 5-Day Weather Forecast
| Day | High Temp | Heat Index | Weather Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 101°F | 105°F | Partly sunny, isolated storms possible |
| Saturday | 102°F | 105°F | Very humid, scattered afternoon storms |
| Sunday | 88°F | N/A | Mostly sunny, less humid |
| Monday | 89°F | N/A | Sunny and warm |
| Tuesday | 90°F | N/A | Partly cloudy, slight chance of showers |
Des Moines and nearby cities are in for a brutally hot weekend, with a heat index reaching up to 105°F. This type of weather can be risky, so it’s important to take it seriously. Whether you’re working outside, caring for someone vulnerable, or just going about your day—stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on weather alerts. Even small steps can help protect you and your loved ones from heat-related problems.
