WEATHER ALERT: The National Weather Service issues Excessive Heat Warning and Excessive Heat Watch for Winneshiek County and surrounding areas

Updated Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2:37 p.m. CST The Excessive Heat Warning has been extended until 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. Two cooling sites are available in Decorah: The Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St., Decorah, will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health main building, located at 905 Montgomery St., Decorah, will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Aug. 21, 2023 The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the following counties in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and southwest and west central Wisconsin: Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette, Clayton, Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, Houston, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, Crawford, Richland, Grant. The Excessive Heat Warning includes the cities of Decorah, Waukon, Oelwein, Elkader, Wabasha, Rochester, Winona, Preston, Caledonia, Alma, Arcadia, Whitehall, Black River Falls, La Crosse, Sparta, Tomah, Viroqua, Prairie Du Chien, Richland Center, and Platteville. The Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. Dangerously hot conditions with afternoon heat index values of 105 to 112 are expected. An Excessive Heat Watch remains in effect from Wednesday evening, Aug. 23 through Thursday evening, Aug. 24 for the same area. Afternoon heat index values of 98 to 108 degrees are possible. Impacts Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Precautionary/Preparedness Actions Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and 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. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.