[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NohHtk6GUqc?hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=349]

TRIPLE H AND TRIPLE DIGITS: Several locations across the state hit 100°+ yesterday. Waterloo and Muscatine both hit 102°, with Fairfield, Washington and Knoxville each hitting the century mark. Several co-op observers also reported triple digit heat yesterday. That was likely the warmest day of the year and the warmest day in several years across the state. Waterloo broke the century mark for the first time since 1995. Today will be just as hot and humid. Highs will be in the mid to upper 90s with some century mark readings scattered about. With dewpoints in the 70s to low 80s, heat indices will easily top 110° and approach and possibly surpass 120°. Newton had a heat index of 130 at one time yesterday afternoon.

ORDER OF RAIN: The latest GFS model run continues to show chances of showers and thunderstorms beginning late tomorrow through the upcoming weekend. There will be a weak frontal boundary moving into the state late tonight into Thursday. This will lessen the heat especially over NW Iowa where the Excessive Heat Warning is only until Wednesday night. This may also kick off a shower or storm across the area, albeit the chances are less than 20%. Slightly better chances exist Friday through Sunday as the boundary stalls nearby. During this, the heat will be tempered somewhat, however temperatures will remain in the lower to middle 90s with heat indices approaching 110°. The heat will break next week but is to return again by the end of July into the first part of August. It’s too early to determine how bad that heat wave might be if it continues to be seen on future runs.