Buckle up, as we will be on a downward temperature trend through the week. Starting out the week, Monday will be breezy with showers possible as an upper level system moves past pulling down colder air. Winds will be sustained from 25 to 35-mph with gusts up to 45-mph possible. Due to these breezy conditions, a wind advisory has been issued from 1pm to 7pm Monday.

On Tuesday, our first shot of cold air along with breezy conditions, will enter the state, which will drop highs into the 40s and 50s. Temperatures will rebound to normal for Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the 50s and 60s. A second low pressure system will drop into the region for Friday through the weekend and this system will bring widespread highs in the 40s through at least Saturday.

Lows at night will drop below freezing across the west Thursday night and across most of the state Friday night. In addition to the below freezing overnight lows, winds will be brisk, which will make it feel much cooler, possibly into the teens by Saturday morning.

Precipitation is possible with the end of the week system and that will fall in the form of rain during the day but at night, we could see light snow north with rain/snow mix, mainly north of highway 20.

Download our free Storm Hunter WX from the app store by searching for “Storm Hunter WX.” For all the latest forecast updates, make sure to follow us on Twitter and Faceook, and right here at IowaChase.com

Strong winds today will begin to taper off by this evening, which will eventually set up for a beautiful Wednesday and Thursday, before another shot of cold air brings considerable changes.

Strong northwest winds Thursday night will usher in cooler conditions by Friday and Saturday, with freezing temperatures likely to end the growing season. Overnight lows Friday will fall into the mid 30’s to upper 20’s, and lows Saturday night will fall into the low 30’s to mid 20’s.

Models are depicting with our next frontal system Friday, that there will be just enough moisture to squeak out a few snowflakes across portions of northern and northeast Iowa. With the very limited moisture with this system, expect nothing more than spotting just a few snowflakes that remind you that winter is right around the corner.

Make sure to download our Storm Hunter WX app and to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for your latest forecast.

The start of the work week will be mild and dry, but major changes come by Thursday. To start out the week, temperatures will be in the 40’s and 50’s, so if you have any remaining outdoor tasks to do, get them done before Thursday.

On Thursday, a trough will push an area of low pressure out of the desert southwest, and this area of low pressure will begin to increase our precipitation chances. It appears that initially precipitation will fall in the form as rain, but will then transition over to snow as cold air gets pulled into the state from the northwest. Precipitation should begin sometime after noon, and the transition over to snow currently appears to occur sometime late Thursday afternoon.

The models differ on track past Thursday night, which is why there still remains a bit of uncertainty regarding this system. Since we are still a few days away, no snowfall totals will be forecast at this current time. We decided to talk about this system sooner than we typically would since many of you will be hitting the roads either Thursday or Friday to make it to your destination in time for Christmas. Looking past this system, the models bring yet another system through the state by Christmas morning, so it is looking very likely for a white Christmas at this point.

Make sure to check back to our Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest updates regarding this storm system if you do plan on traveling.

A storm system will impact Iowa Thursday into Friday, bringing widespread chances for precipitation and the chance for accumulating snowfall across portions of the state. As we have been noting the past 24 hours, the models have been coming in further south with the system. What does this mean?

Precipitation may begin early Thursday across northern Iowa with a brief period of a wintry mix causing a light glazing of ice. Yesterday, with the models were taking this system further to the north, and it appeared that most of the heavy snowfall would stay in southern Minnesota. Now that they models are trending back south once again, this has shifted the snowfall totals south. The greatest snowfall accumulations appear to fall across northern Iowa where  moderate accumulations will be possible.

Further south across central and southern Iowa, precipitation may start as rain before transition to some light snow by late Thursday night into Friday.  This transition area will drop south and east during the day and impinge on the Des Moines metro area toward sunset. This could be quite problematic around rush hour Thursday evening as temperatures drop below freezing near sunset with falling precipitation leading to quick development of ice on area roadways.

In addition, the winds will be quite brisk and may lead to some reduce visibilities in the snow areas of the north overnight. Due to the light to moderate snow across northern Iowa, and the strong winds, a winter weather advisory would appear likely.

A quick moving system will provide a band of light snow this evening and bring up to an inch over portions of central to southern Iowa.

Snow will begin to enter western Iowa after 9pm this evening. Snow will then continue to spread to the southeast through the evening, and will begin to fall across central Iowa around midnight. Blustery winds are likely to blow around the very light snow and may cause some visibility restrictions at time.

Snowfall accumulations will generally be light. Accumulations of 1 to 2 inches will be likely across western Iowa. The dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills look to remain across the state until Tuesday morning when the state is likely to finally rise above zero.

As we near Monday morning, we continue to keep a close eye on the models in regards to how they are handling the track of the storm system, set to impact northern Iowa Monday. During the day Sunday, models began to slowly shift the storm system further to the south. This evening, the models seem to hold firm to previous model runs.

So what does this mean for you? Expect a widespread area of 8 to 12″ of snow across northwest Iowa. There will be a very sharp cut-off on the southern and northern edges of the heavy snow swath. The sharp cut-off on the southern edge will be a result of the warmer temperatures.

Due to the area of low pressure tracking directly over eastern Iowa, temperatures across central and eastern Iowa will remain above freezing for much of the event. This will result in very little snow and a very sharp snowfall cut-off line. If there is any shift in the storm system, this will greatly alter the snowfall forecast. This is why we have been reiterating all weekend, any little shift in the storm track will greatly impact what you will or will not end up getting.

As of Sunday evening, the NAM as shown below, is the most bullish with snowfall totals, compared to the GFS which is shown at the top of this article. However, the snowfall forecast outlined by both models are relatively similar. The good news is that the models are depicting less freezing rain accumulations than previously forecast.

We will see what daybreak brings, but if you live across northwest Iowa, plan for very difficult to impossible travel conditions Monday, due to heavy snow and reduced visibilities.

After a very active week of weather last week, this week will be much tamer. Temperatures will continue to warm into Wednesday, which will be the warmest day of the week. Highs on Wednesday will range from the upper 30’s to upper 40’s across the state.

Temperatures will then cool into the weekend, with the next chance of precipitation on Thursday. At this time, light rain and possibly light snow appears possible across mainly eastern Iowa, but it will be very light. The sun will return on Friday and will stick around through the weekend, with highs in the 30’s and 40’s.

Looking ahead, the Climate Prediction Center has outlined Iowa in a 40% to 50% chance of above-average precipitation chances in the next 6 to 10 days. As for temperatures, the southeast half of the state will be average, with the northwest half of the state expected to be slightly below average.

And for you snow lovers, we have looked way ahead in the models, and there are a couple chances of snow in the next couple of weeks, so we aren’t done yet with winter. Sorry to those of you who are tired of the snow. As always, follow the Iowa Storm Chasing Network on Twitter, Facebook and right here at IowaChase.com for the latest forecast updates.

A cold front will be passing through the state this evening, which will usher in much cooler weather. Winds will be gusting out of the northwest up to 30-mph. Temperatures will fall into the single digits to lower teens across the state this evening. Between the combination of strong winds and cold temperatures, wind chills will fall below zero.

The coldest locations will be across north central Iowa, which will be 13 to 17 degrees below zero. High temperatures on Friday will rebound and will climb into the teens and 20s. Temperatures will continue to warm into the weekend. A quick moving system may bring a little light snow early Saturday morning across northern and eastern Iowa. Any accumulations will be light, generally a half inch or less.

A stronger storm system will impact the area by Sunday night into Monday and will bring a wide variety of weather to the state. This system bears watching, so continue to follow the Iowa Storm Chasing Network for the latest updates.

Widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches has fallen on mostly frozen, saturated soils over eastern Iowa, northeast Missouri, and west central Illinois over the past 24 hours. Many area streams are already running near bankfull and ponding of water has been reported in low lying areas. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will move through the region today, which may lead to flooding.

A flood watch has been issued until 6 pm this evening. Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the region today. Rainfall amounts of one half to one inch today may lead to flooding. The ground remains frozen over much of the area and streams are running high.

Additional rainfall may lead to flooding on streams and low lying areas. Significant rises will occur on area rivers and many may begin to exceed flood stage. A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Monitor later forecasts and take action if a flood warning is issued or flooding develops.

Warmer and breezy days are expected late this week into this weekend with highs in the 40s to lower 60s. Average highs for early March range from the middle 30s over northern Iowa to the low 40s over southern Iowa. After a mix of clouds and sunshine on Friday, sunshine will be plentiful on Saturday with breezy winds from the southeast.

Clouds will increase on Sunday and a chance for rain or even thunderstorms enters the forecast later Sunday night.

Widespread rainfall is expected across much of Iowa beginning this afternoon over western Iowa then spreading east overnight and lasting through Monday evening

The heaviest of the rain will fall across the western half of the state. That is where 2 to 3 inches of rain will accumulate by Monday evening. Elsewhere across the state, a widespread 1 to 2 inches of rainfall will be likely. Due to the recent dry conditions, and the long duration rainfall, flash flooding is not a concern at this time.

Continue to get the lastest forecast updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and right here at IowaChase.com

Off and on periods of moderate to heavy rains are expected to start tonight and continue for several days until the precipitation finally ends early Wednesday morning. Conditions will become more and more prone to flooding with time as excessive amounts of rain continue to accumulate.

A frontal system south of Iowa this evening will lift into the state overnight and then stall southwest to northeast Monday and Tuesday before finally exiting Wednesday morning. Unusually high amounts of moisture for fall will be in place near the system allowing for repetitive moderate to heavy rains. Total accumulations after multiple days of rain may reach as high as four to six inches across west central and northwest Iowa with two to four-inch totals possible central and southeast.

Soils are already at or near saturation so much of the rainfall will runoff into streams, creeks, and rivers and may result in extensive overland flooding and standing water, ponding water on roads and even localized flash flooding. This is in addition to the potential of widespread river flooding across the northern half of Iowa.

A flood watch will be in effect through Friday evening. A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Continue to follow the Iowa Storm Chasing Network for the lastest flooding updates.

Over the next 48 hours, prolonged moderate to heavy rains producing excessive rainfall totals are expected through late Tuesday night. This will cause water levels to quickly rise, which will cause rivers across the state to rise to moderate to major levels in some locations. Flash flooding will be possible, as well as ponding of water on roads.

Portions of central Iowa, north-central Iowa, northeast Iowa, northwest Iowa, southwest Iowa, and west central Iowa are under a flood watch until 7 a.m. Wednesday due to this heavy rainfall potential. Total accumulations after multiple days of rain may reach as high as three to six inches.

Based on current rainfall forecasts, above are just a few of the locations that are expected to reach moderate to major flood stage. As a reminder, flooding can be caused by heavy rain, rapid snow melt, coastal storms, storm surge, waterway overflow, ice jamming, levee overtopping, dam failure, or from wastewater systems. It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock you off your feet. A car can be moved in as little as 2 feet of water. So if you see water over a roadway, turn around, don’t drown.

Continue to follow the Iowa Storm Chasing Network for the latest flooding updates.

Strong winds are looking increasingly likely for this upcoming Sunday. Beginning around sunrise on Sunday morning, northwesterly winds are expected to quickly rise to the 20 to 30 mph range, with gusts over 40 mph likely.

These winds are expected to last through Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. The strongest winds will likely occur during the late morning to early afternoon hours. Potentially hazardous impacts from these winds include travel impacts, especially roads such as Interstate 35 north of the Des Moines metro and Interstate 80 east of the Des Moines metro. Additionally, unsecured yard objects/decorations may be blown around. Tree branch damage also cannot be ruled out at this time.

Heading into the weekend, sunshine will be returning to Iowa. With the return of the sun, temperatures will be much warmer across the state. Afternoon highs are expected to range in the low to mid 60s, with upper 60s possible in central to southwestern Iowa.

The questions are already beginning to pour in as the typical weather hobbyist Facebook pages, and even a national weather outlet are already beginning to post snowfall forecasts for the end of this week.  So what is all this talk about?

A burst of Canadian air will cause temperatures to plummet by Wednesday and could bring the potential for some snow showers by Thursday. As of today, the models which looked to originally bring accumulating snow to the state on Thursday, are beginning to take a turn south, now pushing that chance of snow to the south of the state.

So for now, plan on temperatures to be in the 30’s on Thursday, with wind chills in the 20’s due to the strong winds. We will continue to watch how the models continue to evolve and will post about any adjustments to this forecast, but due to recent model trends, the precipitation chances have been reduced for Thursday.

Even if the snow doesn’t fall Thursday, winter is right around the corner and will eventually begin to fall. Be sure to follow the Iowa Storm Chasing Network for the latest winter weather updates, on Facebook, Twitter, and right here at IowaChase.com.

Canadian high pressure will bring unseasonably cold air to the region this weekend through early next week, with temperatures averaging some 15 to 20 degrees below normal.

Near-record low temperatures are expected Saturday morning across most of Iowa. Low temperatures in the upper single digits to teens are expected as the coldest air thus far this season will be coming to Iowa tonight into Saturday morning. With expected wind speeds from the north around 10 mph or so, wind chill values will be near to slightly below zero as far south as Highway 30. Make sure to bundle up with hats, gloves, and a warm coat if you plan on being outdoors Saturday!

A new storm system will intensify midweek and will lay down an expansive swath of wind-driven snow and heavy rain across the Midwest. This next snowstorm will push through the West Monday and Tuesday before it heads across parts of the Plains and upper Midwest Wednesday through Thursday.

Across most of Iowa, temperatures will be warm enough during this storm system that the vast majority of the precipitation will fall as rain. However, further to the northwest, a few places across northwest Iowa will have cooler air, which could bring accumulating snow causing significant accumulations and adverse travel impacts.

As for timing, rain will begin to enter into western Iowa during the late afternoon hours on Wednesday. Rain will continue to overspread the state throughout the evening Wednesday, and at times, some of this rain could be heavy. By Thursday morning, cooler air will begin to filter in across northwest Iowa, which will transition this rain over to snow. Eventually by late Thursday the storm system pulls out of the state, leaving behind accumulating snow for some.

Rainfall totals will be on the moderate to heavy side. By Friday, many locations across the state will likely end up with over an inch of rain. If you are traveling west and north into Nebraska and Minnesota, you will want to keep a close eye on the forecast. Of course, this forecast is still subject to change based off the track of this storm, but at this time, models have been fairly consistent.

Continue to follow the Iowa Storm Chasing Network for the latest winter storm updates. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

The post Major Storm Takes Aim At Midwest Post-Christmas appeared first on Iowa Storm Chasing Network.

A large winter storm will pivot into the Plains and upper Midwest after Christmas, where it will intensify and lay down an expansive swath of wind-driven snow and moderate rainfall.

Winter storm watches are now in effect from eastern Colorado northeastward to northern Minnesota for Tuesday night through Thursday where heavy snow and gusty winds may lead to dangerous driving conditions. If you will be traveling to or from these locations Wednesday or Thursday, check the latest road conditions before traveling.

Across Iowa, near record temperatures on Thursday will keep precipitation in the form of rain. It will not be until Friday that areas of northern and northwest Iowa may see some wrap around snow as temperatures begin to cool below freezing.

As for timing, rain will begin to enter from the west during the afternoon on Wednesday and will continue to overspread the state during the evening hours. The rain will continue to fall through Thursday, but there will be some breaks in the rain, where the sun may even peak through.

A cold front will then crash through the state Thursday evening, causing temperatures to drop on Friday. Precipitation eventually pulls out of the state by Friday morning, leaving being much cooler air.

The post Post-Christmas Winter Storm to Bring Heavy Snow and Rain to the Central Plains appeared first on Iowa Storm Chasing Network.

If you have plans to head out New Years Eve, you will want to dress very warm as temperatures are going to be in the single digits to low teens across the state! In addition to these very cold temperatures, a strong northwest wind of 15 to 30-mph will create for below zero wind chills.

The coldest will chill readings will be across northwest Iowa, and this is where it will feel like -19 to -23 degrees! With temperature readings of this magnitude, any exposed skin for a prolonged period of time is at the risk of frostbite and even hypothermia.

There is some low chances of light precipitation during the day Monday into New Year’s Eve in the form of snow or freezing drizzle, but accumulations appear to be minimal.

The post Ringing in the New Year with Bitter Cold Wind Chills appeared first on Iowa Storm Chasing Network.

Well it’s the rumor going around the watering hole right now that there is a “major winter storm” gearing up to impact the Midwest next weekend. This is because many weather model forecasts have been posted on social media, only to be shared thousands of times. At this point, it is too early in the game to be posting any of the model outputs. In fact, we still have a chance of freezing drizzle tonight and light snow Wednesday night into Thursday to deal with before we even get to Friday’s weather.

But since we have been receiving about 10 questions every hour regarding this next storm system, we decided to tackle some of your questions. To start off, remember we are still more than a few days out with this storm. Whatever happened to “they can’t even get tomorrow right,” so why believe model forecasts that are 4 to 5 days out?

Secondly, while the models are indicating moderate to heavy snow taking aim at our state Friday into Saturday, there is still plenty of time for things to change. Just know, if you plan to do any traveling Friday or Saturday, you will want to continue to follow along for the latest updates.

That being said, going off the latest model data, it appears a good portion of that state will see a sizeable amount of snow. As to how much, and even to where the great potential exists, that can and will likely still change between now and Friday, so stay tuned!

The post Big Snow This Weekend? It’s All Guesswork Right Now appeared first on Iowa Storm Chasing Network.