Iowa Tornado Watch Expands Across Central, Eastern Regions

A tornado watch remains in effect for central and eastern Iowa through 10 p.m. Monday as heat and humidity fuel the risk of severe storms across much of the state. Forecasters warn of strong to severe storms developing in the afternoon and moving southeast, with damaging winds and large hail as the main threats and a non-negligible tornado risk particularly in the eastern half of the state. Heat advisories accompany the weather event, with heat indices reaching into the mid to upper 100s and poor air quality possible due to wildfire smoke from Canada. Storms are expected to form and intensify from mid-afternoon into the evening, potentially rapidly evolving and tracking from northwest to southeast across the region. It is advised to stay weather-aware, seek sturdy shelter during tornado warnings, and avoid driving through warned areas if possible. Storm activity is expected to diminish near midnight to the early hours of Tuesday, giving way to cooler, drier air the following day.