KCCI weather has Iowa under a First Alert Day today as high heat and strong to severe storm chances line up in the same forecast. People in the western half of the area are already under a Heat Advisory, and heat index values are expected to run near or over 100 degrees area-wide by Monday afternoon.
Iowa Heat Advisory
Temperatures will range from the mid to upper 80s in the northeastern counties to low to mid 90s in the southwest. That spread leaves the western half with the hottest conditions, while the advisory covers the area most exposed to dangerous afternoon heat.
Heat index values near or over 100 degrees are expected by Monday afternoon, so the period before storms is still the most punishing stretch of the day for anyone working or spending time outside. People in the western half need to treat the hotter afternoon as the first hazard, not the storms later in the day.
Monday and Monday Night
An isolated storm cannot be ruled out this morning, but the primary severe threat is expected in the late afternoon and evening, when storm development is being watched most closely. Damaging winds will be the biggest concern, with large hail and an isolated tornado as secondary threats.
Storms are expected to continue into Monday night and end by Tuesday morning, as lows fall into the upper 60s and low 70s. The timing leaves only a short window between the hottest part of the day and the strongest storm risk, which means outdoor plans need to account for both hazards.
By Tuesday
Much cooler and more pleasant air moves in Tuesday through the end of next week, with highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s and overnight lows in the mid 50s to low 60s. Wildfire smoke could be seen in the skies on Tuesday, and a rain chance is possible for the end of the week.
