Heat advisories warning of potentially record-breaking temperatures were active Monday across a vast swath of the U.S. as Iowa and other parts of the Plains region braced for more rain after recent floods triggered hundreds of rescues and evacuations, and caused immense damage.

Record-Breaking Heat Grips the Nation

Tens of millions of people across the country, from South Dakota to Texas to parts of northern Florida and Georgia, are facing extreme heat indices, with temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The heat indices, which account for humidity, are expected to remain high throughout the week. Lows will mostly stay in the mid- to upper 70s, offering little relief from the intense heat overnight. East-central South Carolina could experience a heat index of 110 degrees, while southern California is forecast to endure temperatures between 90 to 100 degrees on Monday.

Devastating Floods in the Plains

Across the northern and central Plains, communities are reeling from record-breaking floods over the weekend and remain under threat as floodwaters continue to rise. The region, already saturated from previous rain, faces more downpours this week, exacerbating the situation.

Scattered, fast-moving showers are expected early in the week, followed by more organized thunderstorms bringing heavy rain by Thursday. Last week, parts of the region received a month’s worth of rain in just 48 hours. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recorded 6.33 inches of rain from Thursday to Saturday, totaling 10.8 inches so far in June, according to AccuWeather.

The worst impacts have been felt in northwest Iowa, where between Friday and Sunday, some areas recorded up to 15 inches of rain. This deluge damaged public infrastructure and triggered hundreds of evacuations and rescues. At least 16 flood gauges recorded historic river levels as waterways across the northwest region of the state rose several feet above previous records.

Ongoing Relief Efforts and Future Concerns

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds reported at a news conference on Sunday that at least 250 people were rescued over the weekend, with 1,900 properties impacted and hundreds destroyed. “The devastation is severe and widespread,” Reynolds said. “While we’re still very early in the response, the projected damage is staggering.”

Officials reported that at least 10 city water systems and 21 wastewater systems have been disrupted by the floods, leaving many residents without drinkable water. Well over 1,000 Iowans sought refuge in shelters over the weekend. John Benson, Iowa director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, warned that the flood threat is far from over. As floodwaters recede, they will flow into larger waterways, including the Missouri, Big Sioux, South Fork, and Mississippi rivers, which are expected to reach “major flooding” stages in the coming days. The forecasted rain this week only adds to the flood threat.

As communities across the U.S. grapple with extreme heat and flooding, officials urge residents to stay informed and prepared for ongoing and potentially worsening conditions. The combined impact of record-breaking temperatures and severe flooding presents significant challenges for affected regions, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated response and relief efforts.