Drought conditions worsening in Iowa ahead of a dry, hot and breezy weekend
The last day of August ends with gorgeous and comfortable conditions across the state. High temperatures peaked in the upper 70s to low 80s which is right on par for this time of year.
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These conditions will not last much longer as a strong warming trend kicks into high gear on Friday and lasts through early next week. Air temperatures will reach the upper 80s tomorrow followed by more mid to upper 90s on Saturday through Monday. Overnight lows will also warm as well from the 60s to the lower 70s.
Thankfully, dew points will not be as high as what we experienced a week ago, so heat indices should be within a few degrees of the actual air temperatures this weekend. A steady south to southwest breeze will also help to mix up the air, but it will still be uncomfortable to be outdoors for long periods of time.
Moisture is anticipated to make a return on Monday, so it will be increasingly humid outdoors by Monday afternoon. The heat ridge that builds in over the weekend will begin to weaken and shift southeast by Tuesday allowing for a couple of disturbances to move in from the west on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This will bring our next chance for showers and storms as a cold front moves across the state. As of now, widespread significant rainfall appears unlikely, which is unfortunate as the end of August marks our sixth consecutive month in a row with below average precipitation. Even after this cold front, temperatures will not be significantly cooler as we anticipate above average temperatures to continue into the foreseeable future.
Iowa weather forecast
Thursday Night: A mostly clear sky. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny skies. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 65F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, hot, and breezy. High 96F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear. Low 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.