DES MOINES – An extreme heat watch will be going into effect for our area this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines issued the watch for portions of northern, central, and southern Iowa. It will take effect at noon on Sunday and will last through 10:00 PM on Monday. The NWS in the Quad Cities likewise issued an extreme heat watch for portions of southeast Iowa for the time period from noon on Sunday through 10:00 PM on Monday.

Dangerously hot conditions are expected during that time period with heat index values near or exceeding 110 possible. Little relief will be seen on Sunday night with low temperatures of 75-80 degrees.

Officials say that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Take precaution by drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned rooms, staying out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles; car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.