Iowa Weather: Heat Continues and Strong Storms in the Forecast

Updated: 8:04 AM CDT Jul 19, 2026 — KCCI News

What’s Happening Right Now?

Imagine Iowa is like a warm blanket that just keeps getting heavier. Right now (around 7:46 AM), it’s about 70°F and feels mild. But the sun is waking up and will quickly turn the day hot and humid.

• It will be sunny today.
• You might see haze (a fuzzy sky) over Des Moines.
• You may smell smoke outside because wildfires in Canada are sending smoke our way.

Important Point: If you are sensitive to smoke or live in northeastern Iowa, try to spend less time outside today because the air may be unhealthy there.

Today’s Weather (Simple Version)

Today is just hot and a little sticky (humid):

• High temperature: about 89°F (just under 90°F).
• Rain chance: low (meaning unlikely).
• Wind: gentle, from the southeast at 5–10 mph.
• Tonight: a few clouds, low around 70°F.

Storms Coming Tomorrow (Two Rounds!)

Tomorrow (the impact day) brings two chances for storms. Think of it like two waves of noisy weather.

Round 1: Early Morning

• When: Overnight tonight into early tomorrow (about midnight to 6 AM, especially around 4 AM).
• Where: Mostly northern Iowa, dipping a bit into central Iowa by mid-morning.
• Risk level: 1 out of 5 for severe weather.
• Main threat: Strong winds.

Round 2: Afternoon and Evening

• When: Tomorrow afternoon into evening.
• Where: Everywhere, but northeast Iowa has the highest risk (level 3 out of 5).
• Main threats: Damaging winds and large hail (small balls of ice).
• Tornado chance: Very low, but not 100% impossible.
• Why it matters: How strong these evening storms get depends on the morning storms and whether the sky “recovers” (calms down and rebuilds energy) during the day.

Important Point: Tomorrow is the hottest and most humid day of the week — mid 90s, with “feels like” temperatures near or above 100°F. That’s why it’s called an impact day.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke

Fires far away in Canada are making smoke:

• Worst air quality stays north and east of Iowa.
• Eastern Iowa may reach unhealthy air ranges.
• Most Iowans will just smell smoke while outside.
• Sensitive people (like those with breathing issues) should avoid long outdoor time, especially in northeast Iowa.

The Cooldown Is Coming!

After Monday’s heat and storms, a cold front (like a push of cooler air) moves through:

1. Tuesday: Temperatures drop to the 80s.
2. Wednesday and the rest of the work week: Stay in the 80s — a welcome break!

Iowa Weather Forecast (Plain List)

• Today: Mostly sunny. High 89°F. Winds SE 5–10 mph.
• Tonight: A few clouds. Low 70°F. Winds SE 5–10 mph.
• Tomorrow: Early storm possible, then hot/humid. More storms late afternoon/evening. High 95°F. Heat index 100–105°F. Winds SSW 10–20 mph.
• Tomorrow Night: Evening storms clear, then mostly clear. Low 72°F. Winds WNW 10–15 mph.

Keep an Eye on the Sky with KCCI Skycams

Want to see the weather yourself? KCCI has skycams (cameras in the sky) at over 25 spots in Iowa. You can watch aerial views anytime on their skycam page.

Helpful links:

• Interactive Radar
• Weather Alerts
• Skycams

Summary

Iowa is hot and humid now, with smoke smell from Canadian fires. Today stays dry and near 89°F. Tomorrow brings two storm rounds (early morning and stronger evening), extreme heat (mid 90s, feels like 100+), and a level 3/5 storm risk in northeast Iowa. Then Tuesday starts a cooler 80s stretch. Sensitive folks should limit outdoor time due to smoke.

FAQ

1. Will it storm where I live today?
No. Rain chances are low today. Storms start tomorrow, first in northern Iowa early morning, then broader in the evening.

2. What does “heat index” mean?
It’s how hot it feels when heat and humidity mix. Tomorrow may feel like 100–105°F even if the thermometer says 95°F.

3. Should I worry about a tornado?
Chance is very low, but not zero. Main threats are wind and hail.

4. Why might I smell smoke?
Wildfires in Canada send smoke south. It may hover over Iowa, especially northeast areas.

5. When does the heat end?
Tuesday! A cold front cools us to the 80s for the rest of the week.