ILLINOIS
— A dangerous heatwave is forecast to sweep across the Midwest from
July 24 to July 30
, impacting millions in
Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri
with
temperatures in the upper 90s
and
heat index values soaring above 100°F
.
Heat Risk Map: Quad Cities, Des Moines, St. Louis Among Most Affected
The
National Weather Service in the Quad Cities
has placed large portions of the region under a
High Risk of Hazardous Temperatures
, particularly in
eastern Iowa and western Illinois
. Cities like
Des Moines
,
Peoria
, and
St. Louis
are expected to see multiple days of sweltering conditions between
Wednesday and Friday
next week.
-
High temperatures:
95°F to 100°F -
Heat index values:
105°F+ -
Overnight lows:
Remaining above 75°F in many urban areas
This prolonged overnight warmth increases the risk of
heat exhaustion
and prevents the body from adequately recovering from daytime exposure.
Widespread Impacts on Infrastructure and Health
The
Climate Prediction Center
has also issued a
Moderate Risk
outlook stretching from
Kansas City to Indianapolis
, indicating several days of sustained heat stress conditions.
Expected consequences include:
-
Strain on local power grids
-
Elevated risk of heat-related illnesses
, especially among the elderly and young children -
Possible rescheduling or cancellation
of outdoor summer events and school programs -
Disruptions to outdoor labor
, especially in construction, landscaping, and agriculture
Officials urge everyone to
avoid strenuous outdoor activity
during peak afternoon hours,
stay hydrated
, and
check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives
.
Rising Humidity to Worsen Conditions
The heatwave is not just about high temperatures—
humidity will significantly increase
, particularly across
southern Missouri
and
central Illinois
. The resulting heat index values will make conditions feel
even more oppressive
, magnifying the health risks.
Additional Advisories Likely
With temperatures expected to climb steadily in the coming days,
expanded heat alerts and emergency notices
are anticipated early next week. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local
National Weather Service
feeds and follow updates from local emergency management agencies.
How to Prepare
-
Drink plenty of water
, even if you’re not thirsty. -
Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
, which contribute to dehydration. -
Stay indoors
during midday hours, ideally in air-conditioned spaces. -
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
. -
Know the signs of heat exhaustion
— dizziness, nausea, headache, and rapid pulse.
If symptoms occur,
seek shade immediately
and
cool down
with wet cloths or cool showers.
What precautions are you taking ahead of the Midwest heatwave?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments — the
Saluda Standard-Sentinel
wants to hear from readers across the region.
