The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Siouxland until eight tonight. Heat index values of 100 to 105 are expected with the hottest readings for northwestern Iowa, southeastern South Dakota, and far northeastern Nebraska.
A social media post from the weather service office in Sioux Falls says, “We’re headed for triple-digit heat across the region later this afternoon, so be sure to take extra precautions if you’re passing through time outdoors. Heat-related illness can strike before you know it’s happening.”
Much of Iowa is expected to roast during this week’s heat wave, which may last much longer as it follows a very steamy July.
The state climatologist explains it Radio Iowa the month just ended was one degree warmer than normal across the state and we had one inch less rain than average. He says farmers are particularly concerned about forecast models showing more of the same on the way.
The Climate Prediction Center shows that the hot, dry trend will continue in Iowa for the next month.
Increasingly dry conditions in Iowa are affecting Iowa corn and soybeans.
The Iowa Crops and Weather The report for the last week of July shows that half of Iowa’s top soil is short or very short on moisture. This represents a 12% increase from the previous week.
Drought conditions intensified in northwest Iowa last week, and corn crop condition across Iowa fell slightly to 76 percent good or excellent , according to the USDA. This represents a decrease of four points compared to the previous week. Soybean field conditions across the state also eased slightly, the report said.
The lack of rain is putting more stress on cattle, and the USDA indicates that less than half of Iowa’s rangeland for grazing is in good or excellent shape.
Mandatory water restrictions remain in place for the City of Storm Lake until further notice. Conservation efforts were launched on July 1. Residents are not allowed to water lawns and trees on Tuesdays or Thursdays. There are also restrictions on people washing their cars, filling swimming pools or cleaning driveways. The measure is to ensure that there is enough water for the season and for possible fires.
City of Storm Lake Information:
Mandatory water conservation for all water users
Mandatory water conservation for Storm Lake, Lake Creek, Lakeside, Truesdale and outside users. The City of Storm Lake declared mandatory water conservation measures in July. They will remain in effect until further notice. Conservation measures are due to extreme hot and dry conditions during the season, and capacity limitations in wells, treatment and storage systems. • According to the mandate, lawns and trees should not be watered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the days of greatest recent use. Cars should not be washed in homes, pools filled or driveways. • On the other days, watering should be done before 9 am or after 6 pm to avoid peaks in demand and reduce water loss through evaporation. Avoid running water on sidewalks or in the street. • Flowers or vegetable gardens can be watered as needed, but the City asks residents to use a hose with a nozzle or a watering can to direct the water where it is needed. • If a power washing project is needed, contact the City at 732-8000 to schedule an off-peak time. The City appreciates the public’s cooperation with these measures, which will help ensure that throughout the season there is an adequate supply for residential needs and the necessary reserve for fire protection.
Fire crews battling a wildfire in western Nebraska that has destroyed some homes look to the sky with hope and trepidation as forecasters warn of thunderstorms. The National Weather Service forecast a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms producing heavy rain Tuesday afternoon into the evening. A storm could help put out the Carter Canyon fire south of Gering, which has burned about 25 square miles of grass and forest. The fire has destroyed three homes and damaged several more in the Carter Canyon community that was evacuated Sunday. While fire crews would appreciate the rain, they fear lightning could spark new fires in the parched region. Firefighters had the fire about 30 percent contained Tuesday.
A celebration of life is planned tonight in Cedar Falls for the three family members killed at Maquoketa Caves State Park on July 22.
Husband and wife Tyler Schmidt and Sarah Schmidt, both 42, and their six-year-old daughter Lula were shot and killed in their tent while camping in the park. Her nine-year-old son was not injured.
Private family services and burials have already been held.
Authorities believe a 23-year-old Omaha-area man killed his family before taking his own life. The attack appears to have been a random act of violence.
Due to the heat, the Dakota City Fire Department has canceled National Night Out festivities. A post on social media says the event will be rescheduled.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
A spokesperson for the Sioux City Police Department says activities planned with the Sioux City Neighborhood Network are still available for tonight. There are half a dozen locations for planning games, a bounce house and free food from six to eight.
City of Sioux City News Release:
Sioux City joins cities across the country for a national night!
The Sioux City Neighborhood Network invites residents to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. National Night is a local effort to promote neighborhood participation in crime prevention activities, police-community collaborations, and neighborhood relations and camaraderie.
From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 2, residents in Sioux City neighborhoods and across the country are being asked to lock their doors, turn on their outdoor lights and spend the night outdoors with the neighbors and representatives of the police and firemen of the city. Departments, as well as agencies and area organizations. The following Sioux City neighborhoods will be hosting events with FREE food and other fun games, bounce houses, and more. (all from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 2):
Grandma Moos Park: 221 Cecelia Street Host: Greenville Project Area Committee Riverside Lutheran Church: 1817 Riverside Boulevard Host: Riverside Project Area Committee Cook Park: 505 Market Street Host: Westside Neighborhood CoalitionDale Street Park: 1514 Dale Street Hosts: Jones Street Neighborhood and Rose Hill Neighborhood Coalition Latham Park: 1915 South Lemon Street Host: Morningside Lutheran Church St. Mark Lutheran Church: 5200 Glenn Avenue Host: St. Mark Lutheran Church
Federal authorities have ruled out a complaint against Iowa Rep. Cindy Axne involves her stock portfolio. WHO TV in Des Moines reports that the Ethics Committee voted unanimously to dismiss a referral against Axne made by the Office of Congressional Ethics.
Small towns used last week’s RAGBRAI as an opportunity to raise funds for town projects. The city of Nemaha raised almost enough money to finish building its historical museum.
As one of the stops on Monday’s route, the northwest city nearly sold out of the 400 pounds of marinated turkey tenders prepared for the event. Organizer Jim Hamm says that effort earned them more than $8,000 to outfit the museum.
He says he was proud of what the town was able to achieve.
“I felt good, it’s a good addition. But it will certainly make a big difference to add it to what we have. And that should be close to getting us, I think.
Tired as he was after the long day of selling to bikers, Hamm says he’d do it again in a heartbeat. Hope Nemaha gets another chance to be on the route.
Until then, look forward to the museum’s grand opening in the next year or two.
Last week’s RAGBRAI was an opportunity for some small towns in Iowa to raise money for community projects. The group Moms and Grandmas for Fonda used their stop along the route to raise funds for a new basketball court in town. The Northwest Iowa nonprofit took home about $600 in pickle sandwich sales. Organizer Judy Hess says every little bit will help them reach their fundraising goal of $30,000.
“Just being able to bring in that amount of money in such a short amount of time. It’s great and meeting a lot of nice people. So it was a fun day.”
Hess says she’s proud of how her community came together to make Fonda fun for cyclists. His nonprofit will continue to host events like cow bingo and a chili cook-off to raise more money for the court.
