Forecasters have issued a tornado watch for 47 Iowa counties through 10 p. m.
Monday, July 20, 2026. Severe thunderstorms and supercells are moving southeast across central and eastern regions.
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The National Weather Service reports supercell storms developed over northern Iowa. They are now advancing toward the Des Moines metro area, Iowa City, and surrounding communities.
The Storm Prediction Center has categorized much of the area under an Enhanced Risk for severe weather. Primary hazards include potential tornadoes reaching EF2 strength or higher.
Large hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter and severe wind gusts exceeding 75 mph are also expected.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were activated early along the Interstate 35 corridor.
RAGBRAI and Heat Concerns
Participants in the annual RAGBRAI bicycle ride were advised to take precautions. Monday's overnight host town, Guthrie Center, falls within the western edge of the watch area.
Local officials made emergency shelters available at the Guthrie County fairgrounds and near the main vendor grounds.
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In addition to storms, meteorologists warned of lingering high heat index values reaching 100 to 105 degrees across eastern Iowa.
Reduced air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke is moving through the region behind a cold front.
Cooler air is projected to bring relief, dropping temperatures into the upper 70s and low 80s before warmer conditions return over the weekend.
Meanwhile, active weather extends into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center highlights slight risk zones across northern Maine and the Mid-Atlantic.
Stalled frontal boundaries are producing heavy rainfall, training thunderstorms, and localized flooding risks of 3 to 6 inches.
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A tornado watch covers 47 Iowa counties while severe thunderstorms threaten parts of the Northeast US.
