The heat warning extends through Thursday for southeastern South Dakota
The National Weather Service in Sioux Vias has extended an excessive heat warning for the week through Thursday evening.
Initially, the advisory was Monday through Wednesday until 10pm for areas in southeastern South Dakota, but as the heat wave continued, the service extended the advisory until 7pm on Thursday. Maximum heat index values are expected to reach between 100 and 115 degrees on Wednesday, and between 90 and 110 degrees on Thursday, the service said.
Such conditions have already led to sites such as the Great Plains Zoo closing by 2pm Monday through Wednesday this week. In Lincoln County, the heat caused storm sirens to sound as a false alarm.
Here’s a closer look at the forecast as the heat wave continues:
What areas are affected by the extended extreme heat warning?
Northwest and West Central Iowa; Southwest Minnesota. The warning predicts that northeastern Nebraska, southcentral and southeastern South Dakota will see “extremely hot conditions” through Thursday.
Heat index values are expected to reach 114, and overnight heat index values will remain around 75 degrees or higher.
How can you keep yourself and others safe?
Such extreme heat and humidity can “significantly increase” the likelihood of heat-related illness, especially for those doing outdoor work or activities, the weather service said.
The NWS recommends the following to stay safe:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in an air-conditioned room
- Stay out of the sun
- Check on relatives and neighbors
“Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” according to the National Weather Service.
Other precautions can include limiting strenuous outdoor activities in the early morning or evening hours instead, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and knowing the signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
more: Sioux Falls is under an excessive heat warning through Wednesday. Find out what closure is
“Anyone who becomes overheated should be moved to a cool, shaded area,” according to the National Weather Service. “Heatstroke is an emergency! Call 911.”
Temperatures are expected to drop to the 80s after Thursday, their highest daily levels. Here’s a closer look at the forecast ahead, according to the weather service’s website.
What will the temperatures be like after the heat wave?
Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 89. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. The probability of rain is 20%.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday nightPartly cloudy, with a low around 59.
more: Drink more water: A heat wave is expected to bring triple-digit temperatures in Sioux Falls
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Sunday night: Clear most of the time, and the lowest is about 62.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday night: Clear most of the time, with a low around 58.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
