08/31/2026
🌡️Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan Activated🌡️
Beginning at noon today, August 31 through at least Saturday, September 5, the Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be in effect, based on the forecast. Residents can expect afternoon highs to reach the mid 90's with heat indexes soaring toward 100°-103° with the possibility of scattered thunderstorms throughout the week.
Please take precautions when spending time outdoors by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous activity when possible, checking on elderly loved ones and ensuring pets have access to water and cooler spaces.
Resources available:
▪️DART provides free rides to warming and cooling centers
▪️Warming and Cooling Centers provide space to seek respite from the cold or heat. A map of the extreme temperature centers, and their operating hours can be found at https://maps.polkcountyiowa.gov/extreme
Stay cool out there this week, DSM!
Today begins a hot and humid week across the state. A Heat Advisory is in effect for portions of central and southern Iowa, where heat is expected to be most prolonged throughout the week and persistent through the overnights. Several consecutive days of afternoon highs in the mid 90s are possible, along with heat index values from 100-103 and near-record warm overnight low temperatures in some locations. There will also be chances for thunderstorms at times mainly in the overnight and morning hours. Plan ahead this week, stay hydrated, and limit strenuous outdoor activity!