Extreme Heat Watch Issued for All of Iowa this Weekend

June 18, 2025 – A dangerous and potentially prolonged heat wave is set to impact the entire state of Iowa beginning Friday in the west and spreading statewide through Sunday, with heat index values of 105–110°F expected in many locations. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for all 99 counties in Iowa as well as large portions of Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Heat Watch Breakdown by Region

• Western Iowa & Eastern Nebraska:
  • Watch begins Friday morning through Sunday evening
  • Cities: Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Shenandoah, Denison, and more
  • Heat Index: Up to 110°F

• Northwest & North Central Iowa (e.g., Sioux Falls, Spencer, Estherville, Fort Dodge):
  • Friday morning through Saturday evening
  • Heat Index: Up to 108°F

• Central & Southern Iowa (Des Moines, Ames, Newton, Ottumwa, Indianola):
  • Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening
  • Heat Index: 105–110°F

• Eastern Iowa & Quad Cities region (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Dubuque):
  • Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening
  • Heat Index: 105°F+

• Northeast Iowa (Decorah, Waukon, Charles City, Clayton County):
  • Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening
  • Heat Index: Up to 105°F

Why It Matters

This level of heat and humidity significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Even healthy individuals can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke with prolonged exposure or strenuous outdoor activity.

Safety Tips

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Limit Outdoor Activities: If possible, reschedule strenuous tasks to early morning or evening.
• Use Air Conditioning: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces—libraries, malls, or cooling centers.
• Check on Others: Especially elderly neighbors, children, and pets.
• Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: Interiors can become deadly in minutes.

Looking Ahead

This heat wave is expected to peak over the weekend, but temperatures may remain dangerously high into early next week. Stay tuned to local weather updates and take this watch seriously—it could be upgraded to a Heat Warning if confidence in extreme temperatures increases.