The National Weather Service has placed more than a dozen counties in northwest and central Iowa under a heat advisory through Sunday. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s, while heat indices could climb into the triple digits in Sioux City, Spencer, Des Moines, Ames, and surrounding cities. Staci Schweder, a nurse with Mercy Medical in Sioux City, says anyone spending time outdoors should drink plenty of water.

Heat Advisory (counties in Orange) until 9-p.m. Saturday for n.w. IA, & until 7-p.m. Sunday for parts of central IA

“Be proactive with that. Start drinking (water) right away in the morning and continue to drink throughout the day,” Schweder says. While staying hydrated is key to avoiding heat exhaustion, Schweder suggests wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and taking plenty of breaks from the sun as well. She also recommends using wet washcloths or towels on the neck or forearms to keep cool. The warning signs of heat stroke include feeling faint or nauseated.

“Heart racing…cool, clammy skin…if those start to happen, you definitely want to find shade and get to a cooler environment,” Schweder says. Some relief from the heat may arrive over northeast Iowa Sunday. The forecast calls for the possibility of some thunderstorms over northern Iowa tonight (Friday) and over northern and central Iowa Saturday. The National Weather Service reports wetter and cooler conditions are expected early next week.

(Radio Iowa)