Spencer, IA – Residents across northwest Iowa dealt with another round of late-season heat Friday as temperatures climbed into the lower 90s, with heat index values soaring into the triple digits during the afternoon. In Spencer, the temperature reached 93 degrees at 4:30PM at the KICD studios in North Spencer, while the combination of heat and humidity made it feel as hot as 104 degrees.
The hot and humid conditions have been fueled by a moist air mass settled across the region, keeping dew points in the mid-70s and making outdoor activities more uncomfortable.
A couple of area football teams, Cherokee and Estherville-Lincoln Central, have pushed back their kickoffs this evening to 8:00PM because of the extreme heat.
The heat is expected to continue Saturday. The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 93 degrees in Spencer, with heat index values reaching as high as 101 degrees during the afternoon. Skies will remain mostly sunny for much of the day, although a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is possible late morning into early afternoon.
We encourage residents to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks if working outdoors, and check on elderly neighbors and pets during the hottest part of the day. With heat index values near or above 100 degrees, heat-related illnesses can develop quickly without proper precautions.
