Tri-State Area — A heat advisory is in effect for much of southeastern South Dakota, northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, and northeast Nebraska this afternoon and evening, with forecasters also warning of a slight risk for severe thunderstorms across the region.
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls issued a heat advisory for Tuesday from 1 to 8 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Affected areas include our tri-state area of northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, and southeast South Dakota. Heat index values may rise to dangerous levels, especially for those without air conditioning or who are engaged in strenuous outdoor activity. The heat advisory also covers the entire states of Iowa and Illinois and goes all the way south to the Gulf of America.
For our area, we can expect highs near 90 with heat index values in the mid 90s.
According to the NWS, heat-related illness is possible. Residents are advised to drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and limit outdoor work to early morning or late evening hours.
In addition to heat concerns, the Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota, northwest Iowa, and northeast Nebraska under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms on Wednesday. Scattered storms may develop Wednesday afternoon into the evening, with the greatest threat between 3 and 10 p.m. CDT. Potential hazards include damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Weather officials recommend monitoring forecasts and having an action plan in place in case severe storms develop.
The Sioux Falls NWS office issued the latest decision support packet at 4:20 a.m. Tuesday.
Evening outlook: Temperatures remain in the 80s after sunset with mostly clear skies. A brief chance of thunderstorms exists in the late afternoon, but storms are expected to taper off before evening. No severe weather is anticipated tonight (Tuesday).
More information is available at weather.gov/siouxfalls.
By Todd Epp, Northern Plains News
KIWA Staff Photo
