Still Above Average...

Despite having slightly cooler temperatures yesterday, we still remained above average for the most part. Highs ranged from 78 to 66 mainly from southeast to northwest respectively. The northwest was held down quite a bit by morning cloud cover that kept them near 50 degrees through the Noon hour, but once they cleared the temperatures quickly shot up thanks to the ever stronger sun. Todays' highs are forecasted to be in the upper 50s and upper 60s across the state, a quick look at the currents shows mid 50s to mid 60s already in place and thus expect that the forecasted highs may be on the low end once again. Not much else in terms of the currents, overall a couple of very nice spring days that we've gone through lately and that looks to continue...

Forecast: The first system moving into the area should begin to make its' presence tomorrow as a band of cloud cover works over the state during the day. This will likely hold temperatures down to near normal and even a little below normal in some areas of the state. While normals are still in the lower 60s to mid 60s, Thursday will only see mid 50s to mid 60s. This system has the chance to bring some precip with it as a warm front lifts over the state, however as mentioned in the Des Moines forecast discussion the threat doesn't look that great and they are being fairly generous with the chances. If it does rain, it will likely occur overnight Thursday with a few sprinkles maybe early Friday in the east. Lows will be fairly mild thanks to cloud cover, with 40s found throughout the state.

Friday will see the return of warm flow into the state, with temperatures rising into the mid 60s and low 70s with clear skies. This flow continues to increase on Saturday, putting highs in the range of 70s throughout. Lows during this period will be mild as well, with upper 40s and lower 50s on Friday night; Saturday night has lows in the 50s. The increased highs on Saturday will also come with the risk of rain overnight as moisture increases ahead of the next system. Western sections of the state will likely see rain during the late night hours with rain/thunderstorms working across the state on Sunday. Highs Sunday look to be in the mid 60s to mid 70s dependent on the timing of rain moving through. Severe weather is still not out of the question with the storms Saturday night & Sunday, however some issues still remain and will not get into those details quite yet.