How Long Has It Been Since Eastern Iowans Experienced 100 Degree Temperatures?

Eastern Iowa is in the midst of a weeklong heat wave with high temperatures we rarely have to endure. If we reach the 100-degree mark, it will be the first time in many years for most spots.

Our weather partner, KCRG TV-9, is forecasting temperatures to reach into the upper 90s later this week. That's rare territory for eastern Iowa where, thankfully, we seldom reach 100 degrees.

If Cedar Rapids hits a high temperature of 95 degrees today (Wednesday), 97 on Thursday, and 99 on Friday, as forecast, it will be the first time in six years the city has had temperatures that high. National Weather Service data shows the last time Cedar Rapids had three consecutive days of 93 degrees or higher was from September 21 through 23, 2017. The high each of those three days was 93.

In Waterloo, July 2021 was the last time temperatures hit at least 93 degrees on three consecutive days. July 27, 28, and 29 that year, highs reached 94, 94, and 93.

When Was the Last Time It Reached 97 Degrees?

The last time the mercury reached 99 degrees in Cedar Rapids was on September 9, 2013. That reading is also the record high for that date.

Waterloo last reached 97 degrees on June 14, 2022.

When Was the Last Heatwave That Lasted This Long?

The last time Cedar Rapids had six consecutive 90-degree days, as is forecast this week, was just three years ago. Cedar Rapids reached at least 92 degrees every day from August 23 through 28, 2020. The high temperatures on those respective dates were 92, 94, 92, 94, 92, and 92 before a cool front moved through dropping the temperatures to the 70s on August 29.

Waterloo last experienced a long string of days of more than 90 degrees in July of 2021. The heatwave from July 21 through July 29, featured nine straight days of over 90 degrees. The temperatures were 91, 90, 93, 94, 94, 92, 94, 94, and 93.

When Was Our Last 100-Degree Day?

If we reach 100 degrees during this heatwave, it will be the first time Cedar Rapids has seen a triple-digit temperature in nearly 10 years. TV 9 meteorologist Corey Thompson tells me the last time the city officially reached 100 was on August 30, 2013.

Waterloo hit 100 much more recently. That happened on June 17, 2021.

Check On the Elderly and Pay Extra Attention to Your Pets

Regardless of how high the temperatures reach this week, increasing dewpoints will make things feel even worse. Be sure to check on elderly neighbors and loved ones to make sure their air conditioners are working properly.

If you have pets, please make sure they have shade available and water. Lots of water.