Des Moines temperatures expected to reach mid-90s after potential weekend storms

Central Iowans should prepare for extreme heat early next week, according to a news release from Polk County Emergency Management.

Iowa weather is expected to be hotter than average this summer, and temperatures in the mid-90s Monday and Tuesday will be ideal for taking a dip in one of the Des Moines-area pools. 

Friday brought a cloudy day with a 40% chance of precipitation and a high temperature near 74 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. On Saturday, the high will rise to 84 degrees, with partial sun and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Sunday will be partly sunny with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. and a high temperature near 88 degrees. 

Things will heat up after the storms pass, with Monday and Tuesday predicted to be sunny with a high temperature around 96 degrees. Despite the extreme temperatures, the heat event will likely fall short of breaking record high temperatures. The record for June 13 was 99 degrees and June 14 was 101 degrees, both set in 1886. 

Wednesday will cool off slightly, with a 40% chance of showers and a high near 87 degrees.

Previously:Why was Iowa nearly as hot as Death Valley? Temperatures nearly reach record highs earlier this week

In light of the extreme temperatures, Polk County Emergency Management is reminding Iowans to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors and avoid being outside during the hottest portion of the day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For those planning to be outdoors in the hot weather, monitor for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke such as clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps and headache. 

“During extended days of extreme temperatures, it is a good idea to think about your personal preparedness plans and to check on others who may be more vulnerable,” said AJ Mumm, Polk County Emergency Management Director, in the June 10 news release. 

More:Farmer's Almanac predicts Iowa weather to be 'hotter and rainier than normal' this summer

Central Iowa Shelter and Services and Hope Ministries will provide overnight shelter for those seeking refuge from the heat, and the Des Moines Area Regional Transit will be offering free rides to cooling centers and shelters across Polk County from Saturday morning through Tuesday.

Cooling centers are air-conditioned public spaces designated by local authorities where anyone can cool down during hot days. A complete list of cooling centers in the Des Moines metro and Polk County can be found on the Polk County website. 

Grace Altenhofen is a news reporter for the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at galtenhofen@registermedia.com or on Twitter @gracealtenhofen.