WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — A stretch of extreme heat and humidity is expected for much of Iowa over the next several days, as highs are forecast to reach the upper 90s to near 100° by Wednesday.
Des Moines has already had three straight days of 90° high temperatures, and at least four more days of 90s are expected this week.
Monday will climb to the low 90s in central Iowa, but mid 90s are anticipated for Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday will be the hottest of the days with a forecast high of 99° in Des Moines.
The humidity will be tolerable on Monday, but it will become more soupy as the week progresses. This combined with the heat will send heat index temperatures into the low 100s on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ahead of this extreme heat, the National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for 10:00am to 8:00pm on Wednesday.
During this period of hot and humid weather, be sure to hydrate regularly with water and take frequent breaks if you plan to spend any prolonged time outside.
It's also a good idea to limit your time outdoors, if possble, to the early morning or late evening hours when the heat is less extreme.
RELATED: List of central Iowa cooling centers
Finally, it's imperative to look before you lock.
The interior of a car can get some 30-40° hotter than the outside air temperature in less than a half-hour. Do NOT leave children nor pets inside a hot car under any circumstances.
Relief from the extreme heat likely won't arrive in central Iowa until Friday and the upcoming weekend.
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