Maxwell Bernstein | July 10, 2020

The United States will experience a heatwave with the National Weather Service expecting 75 or more record-high temperatures to be hit or broken from Friday to Tuesday, according to CBS News.  

Although hot temperatures are expected annually, this heatwave will bring unusually dry conditions for parts of west-central Iowa, with areas west of Des Moines experiencing a two-week absence of rain, according to the Des Moines Register. These hot conditions will lower corn, livestock, and hay yields, and will severely impact soybeans if there is a continued lack of rain.

The impacts of COVID-19 make it difficult for people to seek indoor cooling in places like government buildings and libraries because of county shutdowns that are enforced to maintain social distancing. Public swimming facilities are also closed or have limited access because of concerns about COVID-19.

Click on this link from Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management to learn about preparation for high heat.  

Click on this link from the American Red Cross to learn how to stay safe from COVID-19 in case you find yourself in a situation where you have to be near other people.