(Des Moines) The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for southwest and west central Iowa until 8:00 a.m. this morning. Thunderstorm warnings have already been issued for Monona, Harrison, Carroll, Crawford, Audubon, Guthrie, and Shelby Counties.
The main threat of these storms is 60-mile-per-hour wind gusts. A 55-mile-per-hour wind gust was reported in Harlan this morning. Additional chances for thunderstorms continue through the end of this week. Severe weather and excessive rainfall are possible at times through at least Friday. Radar indicated a 66 mile per hour wind gust northwest of Audubon, and radar indicating a 64 mile per hour wind gust near Audubon.
Warm and humid conditions are expected to continue into late this week over southern Iowa, where heat index values may near 100 degrees at times.
