Heat Advisory in Effect for Eastern Iowa, Northwest Illinois, and Northeast Missouri

Photo byNational Weather Service

Heat Index Values Expected to Reach 102 Degrees

Quad Cities, IA – The National Weather Service (NWS) in the Quad Cities has issued a Heat Advisory for portions of eastern Iowa, northwest Illinois, and northeast Missouri. The advisory, issued at 3:13 PM CDT on Monday, August 5, 2024, warns of dangerously high heat index values up to 102 degrees. The advisory remains in effect until 8 PM CDT this evening.

Affected Areas

The heat advisory impacts a broad region, including:

• Iowa: Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Benton, Linn, Jones, Jackson, Iowa, Johnson, Cedar, Clinton, Muscatine, Scott, Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Van Buren, and Lee counties.
• Illinois: Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Putnam, Mercer, Henderson, Warren, Hancock, and McDonough counties.
• Missouri: Scotland and Clark counties.

Health Risks and Safety Precautions

The combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity levels can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to stay hydrated.
• Seek Air-Conditioned Environments: Spend time in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible to stay cool.
• Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the peak heat hours of the day.
• Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that relatives, neighbors, and those without access to air conditioning are safe and comfortable.
• Know the Symptoms: Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.

Community Impact

Cities such as Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, Dubuque, Rock Island, and Moline are expected to experience the brunt of the heat. Community members are encouraged to utilize cooling centers and public facilities that offer respite from the heat.

The NWS emphasizes the importance of adhering to these precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses, which can escalate quickly in such extreme conditions. Residents should also keep an eye on local weather updates for any changes to the advisory.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information and real-time updates, residents can visit the National Weather Service website or follow local news channels. Community cooling centers and public facilities may also provide additional support during this heat advisory.