Weekend temperatures to reach upper 90s in Eastern Iowa

Samantha Martinez and her kids split their time between Lake Macbride, Greene Square and Thomas Park throughout the week. The common denominator? Water.

As a way to keep cool during the summer, Martinez and her kids visit at least one of the locations almost daily.

With near-100 degree heat moving through Iowa in the coming days, Martinez said she plans to counter the heat by camping, swimming and hanging out by the lake with her family.

'And drinking a lot of water,' her daughter added.

Jim Hladik, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said that while the heat is expected to be 'well above normal' — Cedar Rapids expecting a high of 94 degrees Saturday, 97 degree on Sunday and 92 degrees Monday — wind and lack of humidity will keep the heat index in check.

'It's a few degrees away from record highs,' Hladik said. '(This weekend) is a big buildup of warm air across the plains that will last into early next week.'

According to the National Weather Service, Cedar Rapids saw a record high of 103 degrees in late June 1931 and 1934.

Maria Johnson, communications division manager with Cedar Rapids, said city pools are gearing up for the high temperatures expected this weekend and intend to be well staffed an on the lookout for people struggling with the heat.

Nicole Breitbach, executive director of the American Red Cross Northeast Iowa Chapter, encouraged those who do spend time outside to take frequent breaks and slow down as much as possible.

Hladik said rain isn't predicted to be back in the forecast until Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, which will hopefully end a dry spell Eastern Iowa is in.

'If it goes on past that, it could stress crops,' he added.

Harry Hillaker, state climatologist, agrees.

'The worry with this weekend's heat is that there has been ... more recently planted crops that are just popping up and don't have much root system,' Hillaker said.

He said with little topsoil moisture, high winds and low humidity, newly emerging crops may be challenged this weekend.

He said, however, most Iowa crops are far enough long that there shouldn't be too much trouble with growth.

Statewide, Hladik said temperatures will range higher in the west, with Central Iowa seeing consistent temperatures in the upper 90s.

'I wouldn't be surprised seeing 98,' Hladik said, noting he isn't predicting any heat advisories to be issued over the weekend.

Still, he advised Iowans to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen.

l Comments: (319) 368-8531; alexandra.connor@thegazette.com

Extreme heat safety tips

When the mercury rises, you should take measures to stay cool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device, especially those age 65 and older, children younger than 2 and those with illness.

• Limit outdoor activity, especially at midday when the sun is hottest.

• Pace activity. Start slow and build up.

• Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty.

• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

• Check on your friends and neighbors.

• Never leave children or pets in cars.