The long-duration heat event is now expected to last until Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service, which issued the excessive heat warning.
The NWS warning of an extended period of dangerously hot temperatures and relatively high humidity levels, with heat index values as high as 114, will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday.
Extreme heat and humidity for a long duration is particularly hard on the very young, the elderly and those with medical conditions, the NWS said. The potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, also rises significantly.
Those at risk should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and stay out of the sun. Check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
In order to reduce risk during outdoor work, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Along with Dallas County, the excessive heat warning is in effect in Bremer, Grundy, Black Hawk, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Tama, Audubon, Guthrie, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek-Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose and Davis.
Along with the city of Perry, the warning is in effect in Waverly, Grundy Center, Reinbeck, Conrad, Dike, Wellsburg, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Denison, Carroll, Jefferson, Boone, Ames, Marshalltown, Tama, Toledo, Traer, Dysart, Gladbrook, Audubon, Exira, Guthrie Center, Panora, Bayard, Casey, Waukee, Adel, Des Moines, Newton, Grinnell, Atlantic, Greenfield, Stuart, Adair, Fontanelle, Winterset, Earlham, Indianola, Norwalk, Carlisle, Pella, Knoxville,
Oskaloosa, Corning, Creston, Osceola, Chariton, Albia, Ottumwa, Bedford, Lenox, New Market, Mount Ayr, Lamoni, Leon, Corydon, Seymour, Allerton, Humeston, Centerville and Bloomfield.
ThePerryNews.com will update this weather story as forecasts evolve.
