WEATHER

Is it summer or fall right now in Iowa? Either way, there's a heat warning

Aaron Young
The Des Moines Register

Friday marks the first official day of autumn, when Iowans are usually seen wearing sweaters, leaves on trees are changing and temperatures are starting to cool off.

But this year's start to the fall season is anything but the norm — there's no chill in the air. Just heat.

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The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a heat advisory in effect until 7 p.m. Friday. The advisory covers much of the state, where "conditions more typical of summer than fall are to be expected" with "unusually high heat and humidity for late September."

"The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible," the NWS said. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."

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Temperatures will range from the mid-80s to lower-90s. Peak heat index values will also be in the mid-90s, even approaching 100 degrees at times.

As of 11 a.m. in Des Moines, it is 83 degrees but feels like 88. Some schools are even closing early.

According to the data compiled by the NWS, the highest recorded temperature in Des Moines during September is 101 degrees (Sept. 3, Sept. 7 in 1939; Sept. 9 in 2013.)

The average high in Des Moines this time of the year, according to data, is around 76.

To reduce the possible of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, 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.

And heat stroke is a considered an emergency, so call 911.

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