A Chilly Transition: Iowa Weather Updates and Weekend Outlook

As we move through the week, Iowa residents can expect a gradual transition into colder weather accompanied by varying cloud cover and a few chances for light snow. Here’s what’s in store:

Today’s Weather (Tuesday)

The day begins relatively calm, but a shift is underway. A cold front aloft, supported by an Arctic high-pressure system over southern Canada, will bring colder air and increased cloudiness by tonight.

This morning, central Iowa will experience a wind shift as the upper-level cold air pushes southward. The US30 corridor, already colder due to lingering snow from last week, will remain a few degrees chillier than surrounding areas. Highs across central Iowa will range from the upper teens to lower 20s under partly sunny skies, though areas west of Iowa will likely remain mostly cloudy.

By tonight, a weak ridge will build over the region, resulting in clear skies and light north winds. Overnight temperatures will drop to the single digits, with some areas approaching zero by Wednesday morning.

Midweek Weather (Wednesday and Thursday)

The ridge shifts eastward on Wednesday, bringing a more westerly component to winds aloft. While warmer air will build above the surface, a strong inversion will prevent much of this warmth from reaching the ground. Highs on Wednesday will remain consistent with Tuesday, staying in the upper teens to lower 20s despite more sunshine.

By late Wednesday night, a northern stream wave will approach Iowa. While a separate southern system will track far to the south, the northern wave could bring light snow to Iowa Thursday evening. Current guidance suggests a dusting of accumulation is possible, and snow chances (PoPs) have been adjusted to 20–30% for Thursday night.

Thursday will see some slight warming ahead of the cold front, with highs recovering to the upper 20s to around 30 degrees. Overnight temperatures will once again fall back into the single digits.

Long-Term Forecast (Friday through Monday)

Confidence in the extended forecast is moderate, with key details still developing.

• Friday: A return to northwest flow will follow the passage of Thursday’s front, keeping temperatures steady. Highs will remain in the upper 20s.

• Saturday-Sunday: A quick-moving system from Canada will likely arrive over the weekend. Model guidance varies, with one scenario favoring a southerly track and slightly higher snow chances for Iowa, while another suggests a northern track with less impact. Regardless of the exact path, light snow accumulations are possible, particularly Saturday night into Sunday. Highs will remain in the upper 20s both days, though Sunday may trend slightly cooler.

• Monday: Colder air will settle in, with highs dropping to the mid-teens in northern Iowa and the lower 20s in the south. Further adjustments may be needed as models refine their predictions.

Key Takeaways

• A colder pattern is taking hold, with highs mostly in the upper teens to lower 20s through midweek.

• Light snow is possible Thursday evening and again over the weekend, though accumulation will likely remain light.