It continues to be very hot across the state this afternoon. Across western and central Iowa, temperatures have risen into the lower to middle 90s. With dewpoints in the mid to upper 70s, heat indices have risen well over 100° with Des Moines reporting a heat index reading of 110° at 3pm. Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings remain in effect across western into central Iowa and across the southern half of the state as well.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued an hour ago for the northern sections of the state, mainly west of Interstate 35 and north of US Hwy 20. There are no storms in the state currently, but storms have developed across northern Nebraska and southern South Dakota. A few warnings have been issued over there including tornado warnings. The storms will move into the state sometime after 5-6pm this evening, with the capability of producing large hail and damaging winds. Along with the severe weather threat, there is a chance of some heavy rain as well. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for central and western Iowa until tomorrow.

This weather pattern doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon, with hot humid weather and chances of showers and thunderstorms each day through the rest of this upcoming week.