Heat continues across Iowa with another threat of severe storms Wednesday

[courtesy NWS Quad Cities]

The National Weather Service Quad Cities office says Wednesday will be another hot day, followed by another threat of severe thunderstorms.

A heat advisory is posted again for Muscatine County, most of Iowa and Illinois, as heat index readings will top 100 to 110 degrees in the afternoon and early evenings, increasing the risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out Of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. ”

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

Following thunderstorms that crossed the region Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, more are expected again from late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.

“Damaging winds, frequent lightning, heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes are all possible,” NWS forecasters said.

National Weather Service forecast for Muscatine, as of Wednesday 9 a.m.:

Today
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 103. Windy, with a southwest wind 25 to 35 mph decreasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tonight
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 101. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 84.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 60.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 84.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 60.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 83.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 85.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. 

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