Heat — Scott, Iowa

1997-07-25 to 1997-07-27 · Scott, Iowa

Wider weather episode

Heat and high humidity teamed together produced excessive heat index values reaching 105 to 110 during the day. This came in the middle of an otherwise much cooler than normal summer and many claimed that their bodies were not properly acclimated and therefore unprepared for the sudden spike in temperatures and humidity. The warmest day, Saturday the 26th, saw highs in the upper 90s and record setting highest minimum temperatures near 80. The 26th was also the date of the Quad Cities Bix 7 Run. Thousands ran in the race and attended the city's celebration. Twelve persons had to be hospitalized for heat related illnesses and four persons were kept overnight. One fatality occurred during the race, due to overexertion. Heat also played a roll in area county fairs. Attendance was down as were concession revenues. The heat caused Fair Officials to release poultry and rabbit entries early, though the animals were judged and the awards were given. Despite precautions Fair Officials took against the heat, such as running water over the tin-roofed buildings and fans, two hogs died due to the heat. The Fair director said "I believe this is the first time, in the 10 years I've been involved, that we've ever lost a hog... but we've never had weather this extreme either."

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5603949. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.