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.
