IowaWeather.com

Thanks to Thomas Shelton for sharing this video with us showing rotation near the Cedar Rapids Airport around 7:50 PM on Friday (July 31).

Thank you to Catie Johnson for sharing this view looking northwest from Lisbon. This photo captures a lowering beneath a thunderstorm that was tornado warned at the time.

The whispiest of Iowa funnels!

Around 6:15 PM Friday (July 31st), Santana Kay Mobley captured this funnel cloud just outside of New Hartford, Iowa. @NWSDesMoines

Here come the winds! Northwest Iowa is already experiencing strong wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph, and those winds will continue to spread southeast across the state through this evening and into the early morning hours of Saturday as the departing storm system moves away. Expect north winds gusting between 25 and 35 mph, with locally higher gusts possible at times. #iawx #iowa #weather

A few storms this afternoon and evening could become strong to severe, especially across eastern and southeastern Iowa. The primary concern with any stronger storms will be isolated damaging wind gusts. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, particularly across southeast Iowa, where atmospheric conditions may briefly become favorable later this afternoon. While the tornado threat is low, it is something we'll be monitoring closely if storms are able to intensify.

We'll be keeping a close eye on Friday afternoon and early evening for the potential of a conditional tornado or funnel cloud threat, especially across southern and southeastern Iowa. The key word is conditional because the threat depends on what happens earlier in the day. Storms moving through Iowa late tonight and Friday morning could leave behind widespread clouds and rain, limiting the atmosphere's ability to recover. If that happens, the severe weather threat would be very low. However, if enough sunshine and clearing develop Friday afternoon, the atmosphere could become unstable enough for a few strong to severe storms to form. In that scenario, a few storms could produce funnel clouds or even a brief tornado, along with damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall. We'll continue to monitor forecast trends overnight and Friday morning as confidence in the forecast improves. Stay with ISCN for the latest updates. #iawx #iowa #weather

Forecast confidence continues to increase that Thursday afternoon through Friday will bring the potential for multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms across Iowa. While a few storms could become strong to severe—especially across western Iowa—the greatest concern is shifting toward heavy rainfall and localized flooding. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has placed much of Iowa in a Slight Risk in its Excessive Rainfall Outlook for both Thursday and Friday. An Excessive Rainfall Outlook does not forecast how much rain will fall. Instead, it highlights areas where rainfall could exceed Flash Flood Guidance—the amount of rain in a short period of time that would be enough to trigger flash flooding. A slow-moving storm system will tap into a very warm and humid air mass, with exceptionally high moisture levels in place. That setup could allow thunderstorms to produce heavy rainfall, and if multiple rounds of storms move over the same areas, localized flash flooding may develop. There is still uncertainty regarding exactly where the heaviest rainfall will occur, but the overall pattern favors beneficial rainfall for many, with some locations potentially receiving 1 to 3 inches of rain or more by the time the system exits Friday. The highest rainfall totals will likely occur where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same locations. Behind the system, much cooler and drier air will move into Iowa for the weekend, with temperatures dropping roughly 10 degrees compared to midweek and much more comfortable conditions expected. #iawx #iowa #weather

After a stretch of mainly dry weather, our next widespread chance for showers and thunderstorms is expected to arrive Thursday into Friday. While an isolated shower can't be ruled out before then, most of Iowa should stay dry through Wednesday. Confidence is growing that much of the state will receive beneficial rainfall, with some storms capable of producing locally heavy downpours. If multiple rounds of storms move over the same areas, localized flooding could become a concern. It's still too early to pinpoint where the heaviest amounts will occur, but forecast details will become clearer over the next couple of days. We'll continue to fine-tune the timing, expected rainfall totals, and any potential for heavy rain or severe weather as new data comes in. (Weather Prediction Center Rainfall Forecast pictured below.) #iawx #iowa #weatherupdate #weather

A few thunderstorms are beginning to develop across parts of southern Iowa this afternoon, and while widespread severe weather is not expected, a few stronger storms could briefly become capable of producing large hail. The atmosphere over southern Iowa is unstable enough to support thunderstorms, and a few of these storms may become organized as they move southeast through the afternoon. The primary concern with any stronger storm will be hail up to around quarter-size. At this time, the overall severe weather threat remains isolated, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is not anticipated.

Have you downloaded our free ISCN Weather app? Never be caught off guard by Iowa's unpredictable weather again with the FREE ISCN Weather App. From life-saving severe weather alerts and interactive high-resolution radar to future radar, lightning notifications, storm tracks, and detailed forecasts, the app gives you the information you need to stay ahead of changing conditions. You can monitor up to sixteen locations—including your current location—so you'll always know what's happening at home, work, school, or wherever your loved ones are. Whether you're checking the forecast, watching our live severe weather coverage, reading the latest weather blog, or uploading your own weather photos, everything is conveniently available in one app. Designed specifically for those who live and work in Iowa, the ISCN Weather App helps keep you informed before, during, and after every storm. Download it today and see why it's become the trusted weather app for hundred of thousands across the state.

@AbberGabber Today is going to be the last day!

⚠️ DANGEROUS HEAT CONTINUES ACROSS IOWA TODAY (MONDAY) Another dangerously hot and humid day is underway across Iowa, with Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories remaining in effect through this evening. Heat index values will once again climb well above 100°, with some areas expected to feel as hot as 110° to 115°. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for much of central, southern, eastern, southwest, and portions of western Iowa. Most warned areas can expect heat index values between 105° and 110°, while parts of southwest Iowa, including areas near Council Bluffs, could see heat index values as high as 115° this afternoon. These conditions can quickly become dangerous for anyone spending extended time outdoors. A Heat Advisory remains in effect across much of northern and northwestern Iowa. Heat index values will commonly range from 100° to 109°. While not quite as extreme as areas under the warning, these conditions are still capable of causing heat-related illnesses if precautions are not taken. #iawx #iowa #weather #heat

Today's peak heat index values across Iowa climbed well into the 105–120°F+ range in many locations, creating dangerously hot and humid conditions. What was the highest heat index you experienced today? ⚠️ Note: An observation from the Algona weather station reported a heat index of 139°F due to the station reporting a 100% relative humidity value. It is believed to be the result of an erroneous sensor observation, so it should not be considered representative of actual conditions.

⚠️ Severe Weather Update for Iowa: Northern Iowa remains under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3/5) for severe thunderstorms this evening, while the Slight Risk (Level 2/5) has been expanded farther east across portions of eastern Iowa as storms continue to track east-southeast. The primary threat will be damaging straight-line winds of 75-90 mph, with the potential for widespread tree damage and power outages. While storms are expected to gradually weaken later tonight, anyone across northern and eastern Iowa should remain weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be ready to take shelter if severe weather approaches. #IAwx

⚠️ 3 PM Update: Saturday Severe Outlook The Storm Prediction Center has expanded the severe weather risk farther into Iowa with an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) now extending into portions of northwest Iowa. Confidence continues to increase that a fast-moving line of thunderstorms will develop across South Dakota late this afternoon before racing southeast into the region tonight. The greatest concern for Iowa will be damaging straight-line winds as the storm complex moves into northwest Iowa this evening. While the highest potential for 80-100 mph wind gusts is expected to remain across central and eastern South Dakota, storms are expected to remain capable of producing 60-75+ mph wind gusts as they move into northwest Iowa. The highest severe weather threat is expected late this evening through the overnight hours. Storms should gradually weaken as they move farther into the state, but they may still be capable of producing pockets of damaging winds well after sunset.

⚠️ Severe Weather Threat Tonight (Saturday) Northwest Iowa has the best chance of seeing severe thunderstorms late this evening into the overnight hours as a line of storms moves out of South Dakota. The primary threat will be damaging straight-line winds, with wind gusts over 60 mph possible if storms hold together as they move into Iowa. Heavy rain, frequent lightning, and isolated hail will also be possible. The severe weather threat is expected to decrease as storms move farther southeast overnight, with the greatest risk remaining across northwest Iowa. We’ll continue to monitor the latest trends throughout the day and provide updates if the forecast changes. If you live in northwest Iowa, be sure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings before heading to bed tonight.

@BlkRosie22 The heat will continue into Monday.

@IAStormChasing Will Monday be just as bad for Eastern Iowa?

Heat index values will feel more like 105-115 degrees Sunday afternoon. #iawx #iowa #heat #weather

Dangerous heat is expected across Iowa through Monday. See the latest Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Warnings, and Heat Watches plus safety tips. Click the image to read the full story. iowaweather.com/iowa-heat-warn…