Central Iowa could see severe storms Tuesday evening; DART providing free rides to cooling centers
Severe storms are possible on Tuesday across a large swath of Iowa.
According to a forecast by the National Weather Service in Des Moines, much of central and northeast Iowa could see severe weather from the early evening into the overnight.
"Large hail is the primary threat. Strong winds and heavy rain are possible too," the weather service tweeted.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 4 a.m.
The areas with a "slight" risk of severe weather on Tuesday include Des Moines, Ames, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Council Bluffs and Decorah.
Des Moines is also under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. Tuesday, which is expected to be sunny, hot and windy with a high near 97 degrees. The heat index could be as high as 101 degrees.
Heat Advisory is in effect for all of central Iowa on Tuesday. Heat indices in the 90s and 100s are expected Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday will see some relief over the northwest as a front arrives, but southeast of Des Moines will still remain hot. #iawx pic.twitter.com/rmWAetXLnV
— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) June 13, 2022
More: Des Moines weather: Temperatures, heat indices could approach 100 degrees Monday, Tuesday
DART providing free rides to cooling centers
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is providing free rides to cooling centers due to the extreme heat through Wednesday. Riders should tell bus drivers that they want to go to the cooling center or overnight shelter. More information, including about nearest routes, is available on the DART website or by calling 515-283-8100.
A full list of cooling centers in Des Moines and its suburbs is available online.
More: How to prevent hot car deaths as Iowa temperatures approach 100 degrees
Record temperatures recorded Monday
The National Weather Service said three daily records were set Monday for June 13:
The minimum of 76 degrees in Des Moines ties a record previously set in 1920.
Ottumwa's low of 76 broke the city's previous record high minimum of 75 set in 2017.
Lamoni's high of 96 and low of 78 both broke daily records. The previous record daily high was 95, set in 1963, and the high minimum was 73, set in 1994.
🥵 It was a hot one yesterday and some records were broken or tied in Des Moines, Ottumwa, and Lamoni!
🌡 It will be another hot one today with multiple records at risk of being broken for both the afternoon highs and the morning lows (high min). https://t.co/9ODX0fSNdj#iawx pic.twitter.com/zBAoTpBMhY— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) June 14, 2022
Tips for beating the heat
Stay indoors as much as possible.
If air conditioning is not available, remain on the lowest floor and out of the sunshine.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating.
Drink water regularly, and limit alcoholic beverages.
Eat light, well-balanced meals.
Slow down. Reduce, reschedule or eliminate strenuous activities.
Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Source: Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines could see severe weather Tuesday evening after hot day
