What to know about the heat advisory in Eastern Iowa this week

IOWA CITY — Dangerously high temperatures are expected across Iowa this week.

In Eastern Iowa, a heat advisory is in effect through Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The high temperatures and high humidity began on Monday and will continue to climb. Temperatures in the lower and upper 90s are expected, with some areas reaching close to 100 degrees Tuesday.

The heat index will exceed 100 degrees, with the heat index in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids predicted to reach 106, according to the National Weather Service.

On Wednesday, the heat index is anticipated to reach a high of 102 degrees in Cedar Rapids and 103 degrees in Iowa City.

Signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke

With such hot temperatures, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible.

Signs of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, nausea or vomiting, rapid and weak pulse, pale and clammy skin and muscle cramps.

Those showing signs of heat exhaustion should get to a cooler place, drink water, take a cool shower or use cold compresses.

Signs of heat stroke include a throbbing headache, no sweating, body temperature above 103 degrees, skin that is red, hot and dry, nausea or vomiting, rapid and strong pulse and possible loss of consciousness.

If someone is having a heat stroke, call 911. Take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives.

Reminders for pet owners

Owners are reminded to protect their pets during the excessive heat.

Give pets plenty of fresh water and keep an eye on them for overheating, which includes excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures and elevated body temperature.

Animals with flat faces — such as pugs and Persian cats — are more susceptible to heat stroke. They should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

Pets should not be left in a parked vehicle or left unsupervised around a pool or near unscreened windows.

Dogs should not be allowed to linger on hot asphalt, and walks during high temperatures should be kept to a minimum.

Where to cool off in Cedar Rapids

The Linn County Emergency Management Agency posted a list of heat relief locations online across the county, which include these in Cedar Rapids:

Most city swimming pools and splash pads are open.

Where to cool off in Iowa City

The Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Senior Center, 28 S. Linn St., is open to the public between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The city’s swimming pools, recreation centers and splash pads also are open.

Where to cool off in Coralville, North Liberty

Places to cool off in Coralville include:

Cooling options in North Liberty include the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St, the public library, recreation center and city pool. A splash pad is available at Penn Meadows Park, 355 E. Penn St.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; izabela.zaluska@thegazette.com

Linn County Emergency Management document