The hot and humid weather yesterday led to early releases and an advisory from the National Weather Service. At 3pm, the heat index reading in Washington hit 105 degrees. Washington County was not alone. Much of Iowa and portions of Illinois were included in a special weather statement from the weather service detailing the potential for heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those spending time outdoors. In response to forecasts that predicted the unpleasant conditions, Winfield-Mt Union and Wapello school districts let students out a few hours early yesterday.