# Extreme heat in Iowa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-heat-in-iowa
> Updated: 2026-09-08T21:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Iowa experienced an extreme heatwave in early September, with average weekly temperatures reaching 79.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which was more than 11 degrees above normal.

In response to high temperatures and heat indices reaching the mid-90s, University of Iowa officials implemented safety procedures for a football game at Kinnick Stadium. These measures included allowing unlimited sealed water bottles, distributing 4,000 refillable bottles, and expanding medical resources such as cooling areas and rapid response UTVs.

Despite these precautions, a member of the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band, Derek Phillips, passed away following a heat-related cardiac arrest during the season opener. The heat also impacted the state’s agricultural sector as farmers prepared for harvest, though corn and soybean crops remained largely rated as good or excellent.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Iowa faces record heat impacting agriculture and university community

Extreme heat in Iowa has impacted both the agricultural sector and university life, following a record-warm start to September and the death of a University of Iowa marching band member due to heat-related heat

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iowa-faces-record-heat-impacting-agriculture-and-university-community

### 2026-09-02: Iowa heat safety measures implemented for football game

High temperatures near 90 degrees in Iowa have prompted heat safety measures for University of Iowa football fans, including expanded medical resources and water distribution at Kinnick Stadium.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iowa-heat-safety-measures-implemented-for-football-game

---
Cite as: Extreme heat in Iowa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-heat-in-iowa