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(Podcast) Skyscan Forecast: Wed., June 27th 2012

Podcasts, Weather

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The Freese-Notis (podcast) forecast for Atlantic and the KJAN listening area, and today’s weather data for Atlantic….

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Western Iowa Zone Forecast: Wed., June 27th 2012

Weather

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

351 AM CDT WED JUN 27 2012 – FOR CASS AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES:

HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING…

TODAY…SUNNY. VERY HOT AND HUMID. BREEZY. HIGH AROUND 103. SOUTHWEST WIND 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 30 MPH. HEAT INDEX READINGS 107 TO 112.

TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOW IN THE LOWER 70S. SOUTHWEST WIND 5 TO 15 MPH. GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH THROUGH MIDNIGHT. HIGHEST HEAT INDEX READINGS 103 TO 108 THROUGH MIDNIGHT.

THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HOT AND HUMID. HIGH IN THE MID 90S. NORTHWEST WIND AROUND 5 MPH SHIFTING TO THE NORTHEAST UP TO 5 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHEST HEAT INDEX READINGS 100 TO 105 IN THE AFTERNOON.

THURSDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. LOW IN THE MID 70S. SOUTH WIND NEAR 10 MPH. HIGHEST HEAT INDEX READINGS AROUND 100 THROUGH MIDNIGHT.

FRIDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. HIGH IN THE MID 90S. SOUTH WIND NEAR 10 MPH. HIGHEST HEAT INDEX READINGS 100 TO 103 IN THE AFTERNOON.

FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY. A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. LOW IN THE LOWER 70S. HIGH IN THE LOWER 90S.

SATURDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. LOW IN THE LOWER 70S.

SUNDAY…PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. HIGH IN THE LOWER 90S.

SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOW IN THE LOWER 70S.

Hot spell could spell trouble for Iowa cattle

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farmers are being urged to watch their cattle for signs of stress as the heat builds across the Midwest. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association says cattle could be at risk with temperatures around 100 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. CEO Matte Deppe says cattle rely on respiration more than sweating to cool down, which means producers must also consider other means to keep them comfortable. Some suggestions from Iowa State University Extension include clean fresh water, shade and using a higher percentage of feed in the afternoon. If necessary, farmers should begin sprinkling cattle with water if there are signs of heat stress. Officials say producers who use fans or water on their cattle should continue to use the process until the heat wave breaks.

Reminder: A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT TODAY BEGINNING AT 1-P.M.

Weather

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

346 AM CDT WED JUN 27 2012

A HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE MOST OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL IOWA, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FAR WEST/SOUTHWEST COUNTIES, WHERE IT EXPIRES AT 9-P.M….

HEAT INDICES OF 105 TO 110 ARE EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING… AS TEMPERATURES CLIMB TO AROUND 100 DEGREES…AND ARE COMBINED WITH DEWPOINTS OF AROUND 70 DEGREES. THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY WILL CREATE AN INCREASED RISK OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR OTHER HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES. THE RISK WILL INCREASE WITH PROLONGED OUTDOOR ACTIVITY WITH THE ELDERLY AND VERY YOUNG BEING MOST AT RISK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS…STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM…STAY OUT OF THE SUN…AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Iowa DOT cautions travelers about work zones over July 4 holiday

News

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Travel during the upcoming July 4 holiday may be slowed by road construction, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Officials say several projects on Iowa’s interstate and state roadways may warrant advance planning on the part of drivers. Among them….

In Northwest and western Iowa:

  • Iowa Highway 3 is closed for widening and resurfacing from U.S. 75 to Iowa 404 west of Le Mars. Traffic is detoured.
  • Pavement reconstruction of southbound I-29 from I-129 to Sergeant Bluff has traffic placed in a two-lane, two-way pattern in the northbound lanes between mileposts 141 and 144.
  • Pavement reconstruction of I-29 in Sioux City near the Iowa 12 (Riverside Boulevard) interchange has restricted traffic to two lanes in each direction for the 2 miles adjacent to the South Dakota border.
  • Bridge reconstruction on U.S. 77 in Sioux City has restricted traffic to a two-lane, two-way traffic pattern in the northbound lanes of U.S. 77 over I-29.
  • Bridge reconstruction on U.S. 59 south of Denison in Crawford County has restricted the roadway to one lane. Traffic is being maintained with temporary traffic signals.

In Southwest Iowa:

  • A bridge deck overlay on U.S. 30 west of Missouri Valley in Harrison County has reduced the roadway to one lane. Traffic is being maintained with temporary traffic signals. The open lane has an 11-foot width restriction.
  • Staged bridge construction on U.S. 30 northeast of Woodbine in Harrison County has reduced the roadway to one lane. Traffic is being maintained with temporary traffic signals.
  • Bridge construction on I-80 over the West Nishnabotna River near Avoca in Pottawattamie County has closed the westbound lanes between mileposts 34 and 40. Traffic has been shifted to a two-lane, two-way pattern in the eastbound lanes.
  • Bridge construction has closed northbound I-29 in Fremont County between mileposts 21 and 25. Traffic has been shifted to a two-lane, two-way traffic pattern in the southbound lanes.
  • Asphalt resurfacing in the northbound lanes of I-29 in Fremont County between mileposts 10 and 17 has traffic shifted to a two-lane, two-way traffic pattern in the southbound lanes. Bridge deck overlays at two locations on U.S. 71 south of Atlantic in Cass County have reduced the roadway to one lane. Traffic is being maintained with temporary traffic signals.
  • A new bridge deck is being placed on the eastbound I-80 Wiota interchange bridge at milepost 64; and a new bridge over Crooked Creek is being built at milepost 69 in Cass County. Traffic is shifted to a two-lane, two-way traffic pattern in the westbound lanes between mileposts 60 and 70. The eastbound ramps at Wiota are closed and a detour is in place for Cass County Road N-28.
  • Iowa 148 between Massena and Anita in Cass County is closed for highway repair work. Traffic should follow the marked detour.

Some tips for driving safely in work zones:

Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road. Slow down and do not tailgate. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and road workers and their equipment. Pay attention to the signs. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that reads “End Road Work.” Obey flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions. Stay alert and minimize distractions. Keep up with the traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Do not drive right up to the lane closure and then try to merge. Be patient and stay calm.Watch for persons wearing high visibility (HiViz) apparel. All persons are required by federal law to wear HiViz apparel when in highway work zones.

Expect delays and leave early so you can reach your destination on time. Be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. Buckle up. Iowa law requires all persons to be buckled up in the front seat and all persons under age 18 to be buckled up, regardless of vehicle seating position.

Excessive heat expected today: Check on the elderly, friends, neighbors and pets

News, Weather

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The big heat wave is expected today (Wednesday), all across the Midwest. Temperatures forecast to reach near 100-degrees, but the heat index — or, what it feels like when the humidity is factored in — will make it feel like 105-to 110-degrees. A Heat Advisory goes into effect today beginning at 1-p.m. The Advisory runs through 9-p.m. for the far west and southwest counties, and until 8-p.m. for the rest of the area. The heat wave is expected to continue into the weekend.

Officials with Cass County Home Care in Atlantic remind you that elderly relatives, friends and neighbors are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses during these extreme conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly, loses its ability to sweat and is unable to cool down. Body temperatures can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. If left untreated, heat stroke may lead to permanent disability or even death. While less serious than heat stroke, heat exhaustion can also occur after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration.

Rhonda Duvall, registered nurse and clinical manager at Cass County Home Care, says “Older adults are especially at risk of heat stress because with age the body does not adjust as well to extreme changes in temperature. Chronic medical conditions and prescription medicines common to elderly patients also affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.”  Important precautions include remaining inside in cool, air-conditioned areas, restricting strenuous activity, wearing lightweight clothing, and bathing in cool water. Staying hydrated is also critical during extreme heat; however, it is not uncommon for some elderly patients with certain medical conditions to be limited in the amount of fluids they can drink.

In such cases, a physician should be consulted before drinking more fluids than typically recommended. Older adults at risk, especially those living alone, should be visited twice a day by family, friends or care providers during periods of elevated heat and checked for signs of heat stress. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and lack of perspiration and body temperatures exceeding 103 degrees. If a person exhibits any of these signs and heat stress is suspected, dial 9-1-1 immediately. Also, remember to keep an eye on children and pets. Make sure pets have adequate shade and plenty of fresh, cold water if they must remain outside.

Tuesday Area High School Softball Results

Sports

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Hawkeye 10:

  • Lewis Central 4, Atlantic 3
  • Creston 3, Red Oak 0
  • Denison-Schleswig 6, Kuemper Catholic 4 (8)
  • Clarinda 7, Shenandoah 3
  • Harlan 7, Tri-Center 0

Rolling Hills:

  • Adair-Casey 5, Orient-Macksburg 4
  • Walnut 4, Glidden-Ralston 1

Others:

  • Bondurant-Farrar 5-8, Carroll 1-2
  • Abraham Lincoln 3, Sioux City East 2
  • Des Moines Christian 10, Guthrie Center 0
  • Earlham 11, Coon Rapids-Bayard 0
  • East Union 12, Bedford 2
  • IKM-Manning 12, West Monona 1
  • Logan-Magnolia 8, Ridge View 5
  • Madrid 9, Panorama 0
  • Sidney 13, East Mills 11
  • Villisca 6, Stanton 5 (11)
  • Westwood 9, Charter Oak-Ute 5
  • Nodaway Valley 7, Corning 3
  • Lenox 7-7, Mount Ayr 6-8

Cards win 5th straight, 5-2 over slumping Marlins

Sports

June 27th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

MIAMI (AP) — Yadier Molina hit a three-run homer and Kyle Lohse pitched into the eighth inning to lead the St. Louis Cardinals past the staggering Miami Marlins 5-2 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory. One night after Molina’s tying homer in the ninth inning keyed a huge comeback, St. Louis scored five unearned runs in the first. The Marlins have lost eight of nine and are 3-17 in their last 20 games. Lohse (7-2) allowed two runs and four hits while striking out four to lower his ERA to 2.82. Jason Motte pitched the ninth for his 16th save in 20 chances.

Heat Advisory issued for most of Iowa on Wednesday

Weather

June 26th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

National Weather Service/Des Moines (Issued 3:47-p.m. CDT June 26th, 2012) http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dmx/

DANGEROUS HEAT INDICES EXPECTED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON INTO THE EARLY EVENING. HOT TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH DEW POINT TEMPERATURES CLIMBING INTO THE 70S DURING THE AFTERNOON WILL PRODUCE HEAT INDICES ABOVE 100 OVER MUCH OF CENTRAL IOWA AND AROUND 105 DEGREES DURING THE AFTERNOON.

A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 8 PM CDT WEDNESDAY FOR ALL BUT FAR WEST/SW IA, WHERE THE ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9-P.M. WEDNESDAY

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY. HEAT INDICES WILL BE INCREASING THROUGH THE MORNING BE IN ADVISORY CRITERIA FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS. THE HIGHEST HEAT INDICES OF 105 TO 108 WILL OCCUR DURING THE AFTERNOON. HEAT INDICES WEST OF INTERSTATE 35 WILL NOT BE QUITE AS HOT BUT STILL APPROACH 105.

THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY WILL CREATE AN INCREASED RISK OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR OTHER HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES. THE RISK WILL INCREASE WITH PROLONGED OUTDOOR ACTIVITY WITH THE ELDERLY AND VERY YOUNG BEING MOST AT RISK.

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS…STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM…STAY OUT OF THE SUN…AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Atlantic School Board to hold work session Wed. evening

News

June 26th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education will meet Wednesday evening at the High School, for a Work Session. The meeting in the Media Center begins at 7:30-p.m.   During their session, the Board will act on approving the hire of a Vocal Music Teacher for the High School, and hold discussion with regard to Board’s 2012-2013 Goals, and Development Activity.