Light snow and rainfall expected across Iowa this week

This week, Iowa will experience a mix of weather conditions, starting with light rain and snow early Tuesday into Wednesday. Northern regions may see minor snow accumulations, while southern areas are more likely to experience rain. The state will also face another round of light snow on Thursday as a system passes through the Midwest, particularly impacting northern and eastern Iowa. While snow accumulations are expected to be minimal, the forecast calls for conditions that will change quickly, making it a good idea to stay updated on local weather alerts.

The current weather pattern began with slow-dissipating early morning fog across Iowa, which finally cleared by midday on Monday, leaving behind mostly clear skies. West-northwest winds have picked up due to a passing PV anomaly, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph in some areas. These gusts have helped warm temperatures into the mid to upper 40s, well above seasonal norms. The wind and warmer temperatures are a sharp contrast to the cooler conditions expected by midweek as the front moves through.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, a shortwave will move across the region, bringing a mix of snow and rain. The primary precipitation axis will extend along and north of the Iowa-Minnesota border. Northern Iowa is likely to see snow, with up to an inch possible in some areas, while central and southern parts of the state may see light rain. The snow-to-rain transition will happen gradually, with snow ratios expected to be around 8-9:1 at the onset and improving to 12:1 towards the tail end of the event, ending early Wednesday morning. The system will bring less than a tenth of an inch of liquid equivalent precipitation, but temperatures will remain relatively mild for Tuesday.

Midweek will bring fluctuating temperatures. After a warm start to the week, the passage of the front on Wednesday will cool things down, followed by a brief warming trend on Thursday before another significant system brings colder air back into the region for the weekend. Highs will dip into the teens and 20s by Friday, with the possibility of a slight warm-up on Sunday as temperatures creep into the 30s.

Looking ahead to Thursday, a robust shortwave is set to move through the upper Midwest, increasing the likelihood of light snow accumulations. The most recent model runs show a consistent track for the surface low to move across the Dakotas and into Iowa. While most of the heavy snow will likely stay north in Minnesota, changes to the track of this system could shift the snow axis, so further updates are expected.

Finally, behind this system, colder air will settle in, and temperatures will take a dive for the weekend, with highs in the teens to 20s and a potential return to the 30s by Sunday.

For aviators, VFR conditions are expected throughout most of the state, with some areas experiencing MVFR stratus in the north as the system approaches. Low-level cloud cover may bring brief periods of MVFR conditions and light snow, particularly around the Mason City (KMCW) area. However, confidence remains low for widespread snow, and conditions should improve as the system clears by midweek.

Dense fog settles in again tonight, upcoming shift in pattern

Today, widespread stratus clouds and fog have dominated much of Iowa, with some improvements seen in west-central and southwest regions. Partial clearing in those areas has allowed temperatures to climb into the 40s, while the rest of the state remains under a blanket of clouds, holding temperatures in the mid-30s. The main challenge tonight will be the redevelopment of dense fog, especially in eastern Iowa.

Dense Fog Advisory Issued

A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for areas east of Interstate 35, extending southeast toward Oskaloosa. In some locations, visibility has already dropped to half a mile or less, and this fog is expected to expand further north and northwest tonight under south/southeast winds.

While the advisory is set to expire at 9:00 AM tomorrow, improving conditions could lead to an early cancellation. A boundary moving through overnight into Monday morning will bring drier air and increasing westerly winds, which will help dissipate the fog.

Light Drizzle Possible in Northern Iowa

Northern Iowa could see light drizzle tonight due to a deepening layer of saturation (reaching up to 3,000–4,000 feet). Although temperatures in that area are expected to stay above freezing, this is something to monitor for any localized impacts.

Rising Temperatures Overnight in Southeast Iowa

A surge of moisture from Kansas and Missouri is lifting into southeast Iowa this evening, bringing dew points in the upper 30s and 40s. This will lead to a brief period of rising temperatures before the moisture moves eastward.

Monday: Breezy with Temperature Swings

On Monday, a boundary will continue moving through the state, initially bringing a warming effect due to downslope winds. This will push daytime highs into the 30s and 40s. However, colder air aloft will follow, mixing down to the surface and increasing wind gusts.

Far northern Iowa may experience gusts near 40 mph, especially during the afternoon. Expect a mix of warming early in the day, followed by a cooler and breezy afternoon.

Looking Ahead: Light Snow and Temperature Roller Coaster

By late Tuesday into Tuesday night, another weather system will approach northern Iowa, bringing the potential for light snow. The primary snowfall axis is expected to remain north of the area, but some northern counties may see minor accumulations.

Beyond Tuesday, the active weather pattern will continue with a new system passing through the region every 36–48 hours. This will bring fluctuating temperatures and alternating periods of warm and cold air.

• Friday and Saturday: Below-normal temperatures are expected.

• Sunday: There’s potential for a warm-up as an upper ridge approaches, though confidence in the forecast remains low.

Aviation Impacts

Pilots should be aware of dense fog tonight, particularly in eastern Iowa, where visibility could drop as low as 1/4 mile. While visibility may improve earlier in some areas like Des Moines (KDSM), low stratus clouds are likely to persist through Monday morning.

Dense Fog Advisory issued for overnight

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect through 4:00 AM for the area. Expect locally dense fog with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less in many locations. These conditions can make travel hazardous, especially in rural or low-lying areas where the fog tends to settle more heavily.

Additionally, refreezing of roadways is a concern as temperatures dip overnight. Wet surfaces from melting snow or ice earlier in the day may turn slick, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.

Motorists are urged to use caution, reduce speeds, and allow extra travel time. Use low-beam headlights and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists should also exercise caution, as visibility may be severely limited.

Ice Storm Warning extended through 6 pm, widespread icy precipitation continues

Freezing rain, mixed with sleet and snow in some areas, continues to impact portions of east-central and northern Iowa this afternoon. Ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch are still possible, creating hazardous conditions as temperatures remain below freezing. Northern Iowa can expect a wintry mix with light snow later in the day, while central and southern regions are gradually transitioning to cold rain as temperatures rise. Weather warnings and advisories are being updated as conditions improve in some areas.

The National Weather Service has extended the Ice Storm Warning for Marshall, Jasper, and Poweshiek counties until 6 PM CST. Freezing rain continues to create dangerous conditions across the region, including cities such as Marshalltown, Newton, and Grinnell. Additional ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are expected.

Roads, bridges, and overpasses are extremely slick and hazardous. Ice on power lines and tree limbs could result in widespread and prolonged power outages. Sidewalks, driveways, and other untreated surfaces are also dangerously slippery.

Residents are urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Those who must travel should take precautions by keeping an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and exercise extreme caution, especially on hills or curves. Sudden changes in visibility due to weather conditions are also likely.

With significant ice accumulation expected, power outages may occur. Ensure your home is prepared with necessary supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food. Keep phones and other essential devices charged.

For the latest road conditions, use the Iowa 511 app, visit [511ia.org](http://www.511ia.org), or dial 511. Monitor local weather updates as conditions may change quickly. As freezing rain transitions to rain in some areas later today, roadways may improve, but caution is still advised.