Iowa Weather Update: Slick Roads, Snow Chances, and Strong Winds Expected

This morning, flurries across Iowa will begin to wind down, but slick roads are expected in northern and central Iowa due to refreezing after overnight sub-freezing temperatures. Travel impacts are expected, particularly for the morning commute, as residual snow from yesterday’s storm may cause slippery spots. Temperatures will be cooler today, with highs ranging from the mid-20s in the north to the mid-30s in the south. Winds will decrease as surface high pressure settles into the state, although pesky morning clouds may linger before drier air arrives in the afternoon.

Attention will then shift to an active northwest flow and embedded shortwave moving across the Upper Midwest. This system, currently in the Pacific Northwest, will track southeast through the Dakotas tonight and into Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin on Thursday. Northern Iowa will see light snow accumulation, particularly in the morning hours, with up to 0.1 inch of liquid expected. While the snow accumulation is expected to stay under an inch for most areas, there’s a 20-30 percent chance of higher amounts in northern and northeastern Iowa. The main concern for Thursday will be the strong winds following the cold frontal passage, with gusts reaching 35-45 mph, especially west of I-35. This could lead to blowing snow in rural areas, so those traveling on Thursday should be prepared for possible reduced visibility.

Thursday will bring slightly warmer temperatures, but gusty winds will make it feel colder. Winds will ease Thursday night into Friday as a high-pressure system brings in even colder air, with Friday expected to be the coldest day of the week, with highs ranging from the teens in the north to the upper 20s in the south. A brief period of flurries or light snow is possible on Saturday, but precipitation is expected to be minimal, with little to no impacts anticipated.

Looking ahead to next week, the pattern will shift toward warmer temperatures as a more zonal flow develops. This will bring milder conditions into the Christmas holiday week, with above-normal temperatures likely. The extended outlook shows an 80-90 percent chance of above-average temperatures, so those planning travel or outdoor activities can expect a break from the cold.

For aviation, scattered to broken stratus will affect flight conditions this afternoon into the evening, with conditions varying between IFR, MVFR, and VFR. By Thursday morning, light snow will return to northern Iowa, reducing visibility to around 1-2 miles, especially around KMCW. Further south, snow chances are low and won't significantly impact flight conditions at this time. VFR conditions are expected to return for most of the overnight period.

Stay tuned for further updates as conditions change, especially for Thursday’s snow and wind event.

Light Snow and Winds Forecasted for Iowa Midweek

This week, Iowa is experiencing a mix of light snow, winds, and fluctuating temperatures. Starting today, the state is seeing light snow in the northern regions, with some light precipitation in the south. A weak system moving across Wyoming is causing clouds and snow across the northern and central portions of Iowa, with snow accumulation generally expected to stay under 1 inch in most areas. The northern tier may see slightly higher accumulations, especially near the Iowa-Minnesota border. Snowfall in the southern part of the state is expected to be minimal, with some light rain or snow in places, leaving only a dusting behind.

The system is expected to bring a weak cold front into the area, ushering in cooler temperatures by this evening. Winds will shift to the northwest tonight, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph, causing minor blowing snow in northern Iowa, particularly after midnight. Temperatures will drop overnight, with lows ranging from the mid-teens in the north to the upper 20s in the southeast. By Wednesday, high pressure will begin to settle over the region, leading to a brief reprieve from precipitation. The colder air will settle in, with highs for Wednesday ranging from the lower 20s in the north to the mid-30s in the south.

Looking ahead to Thursday, a more robust clipper system will bring snow and gusty winds. This system will move across northern South Dakota early Thursday morning and track southeast to the Iowa-Minnesota border by late afternoon. Snow will be concentrated in the northern parts of Iowa, with potential for light snow accumulations. As the system moves through, northwest winds will intensify, reaching 35 to 45 mph in some areas, particularly in the west and southeast portions of the state. This could lead to hazardous travel conditions, and wind-related headlines may be issued for the region. The colder air behind this system will bring a significant drop in temperatures, with highs on Thursday only reaching the upper 20s to low 30s, and the region will experience even colder temperatures through Friday and Saturday.

Looking further into the weekend, another weak clipper system may pass through the northern Plains, potentially bringing light snow, although the details remain uncertain. The models suggest that colder air will dominate for much of the weekend before a gradual warming trend takes over. By the end of next week, temperatures could rise into the 40s and possibly even the 50s, making for a mild end to the month.

For aviation, light snow is expected to continue in northern Iowa today, creating MVFR conditions and reduced visibility, especially in areas like KFOD, KMCW, and KALO. While these conditions are expected to improve by Wednesday morning, pilots should anticipate breezy northwest winds and the possibility of temporary IFR conditions later this evening due to snow and low visibility. Generally, conditions will improve to VFR by Wednesday morning as the system moves out and the northwest winds strengthen.

As always, travelers and those affected by the weather should stay informed, as conditions are expected to evolve quickly throughout the week.

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.