Windy & Warm

We finally will see the warm temperatures and more spring like conditions today with the aid of strong southerly winds this afternoon. Winds will be 10-20 mph with 30 mph or greater gusts at times. This strong wind is much needed for those interested in severe weather tomorrow, as just above the surface these strong southerly winds are also occurring and bring moisture straight from the Gulf to the north. As we go through today, expect to see both the temperature and the dew point rise as the winds bring in warm air and moisture.

High temperatures today from the mid 60s in northeast Iowa to the mid 70s across southwest Iowa under partly cloudy skies. Lows tonight will reflect the increased moisture, near 50 to mid 50s from north to south are expected with mostly cloudy skies. Moisture return continues along with warm temperatures on Thursday, a low pressure system should setup just to the west of the state in eastern Nebraska. This low combined with its' associated fronts will setup a potentially significant severe weather event for areas of the plains state during the evening hours. Currently the risk extends from eastern NE/KS/OK into western IA/MO/AR; with the highest risks including southwest Iowa. Severe threat likely to contain large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes; with the risk mainly during the evening and early overnight hours for the state of Iowa.

More details on tomorrow's severe weather threat in a later severe weather forecast update...

Read More

Warming Up

After the chilly weekend and start to the work week, you will be happy to know that temperatures will only rise through Thursday of this week. However, upon reaching Thursday we will see another strong system work into the plains and bring thunderstorms (some severe) and other rain showers. This low pressure system will become cut-off and likely stall out over the plains states, allowing continual showers to occur. As the system finally moves east of the state for the weekend some cooler temperatures will work in, but won't last long.

Lows tonight will be near record, with freeze warnings posted for portions of the state, upper 20s and lower 30s expected with slight variations in any valleys. Highs tomorrow will be aided by the return of the southerly winds, ranging from mid 50s to mid 60s from east to west. Mid 30s to mid 40s from east to west expected on Tuesday night with moisture returning to the state. Wednesday highs continue the warmth and moisture return, mid 60s to upper 70s from northeast to west. With the warm front passing north through the state, the lows reflect the moisture return; ranging from near 50 to the mid 50s from north to south.

Thursdays' temperatures and precipitation chances will be better defined in the coming days as models continue to struggle consistency-wise. The potential does seem to be there for severe weather to occur through at least eastern NE/KS/OK. Some severe storms may be possible for western Iowa in the evening and overnight hours, that threat will also be better defined later in the week. Later updates will address these issues...

Read More

April 25 Severe Weather Update

A line of severe thunderstorms formed early this afternoon across portions of eastern Iowa with the main threat of large hail. As the afternoon continued however, these storms entered more favorable conditions for the threat of tornadoes. Currently this line is on the Mississippi River and crossing into areas of Wisconsin and Illinois, indicating that less than an hour exists of a severe weather threat in Iowa.

Currently a storm that was previously tornado warned and heading into the Davenport area has weakened and the tornado warning was allowed to expire. Clinton county Iowa is currently under a severe thunderstorm warning, however this storm is moving out of the state as well. Previous reports from the storms include a few large hail reports including some golf ball sized hail near Delhi, IA. We currently have 3 tornado reports on the map, however none have been deemed official. The first report came out of several public reports of a possible tornado, damage occurred near the town of Floris, IA. A second and third report came from damage to a few homes, first near Atalissa, IA and then further once again 5 miles north of Atalissa.

Expect the thunderstorms to come to an end by the end of supper over the eastern portion of the state. The entire state can then brace for some cold air to drop in, with a few flurries even possible over the weekend!

Read More

April 25 Severe Weather

Thunderstorms expand throughout much of the state, the only exception is areas of southeast and south-central Iowa where they are currently free of any showers or thunderstorms. This is likely to change though, as a severe thunderstorm watch has just been issued that covers portions of southwest and south-central Iowa and will be in effect until 7 am. The watch was issued for the potential of large hail and damaging winds as a large cluster of thunderstorms is moving east out of Kansas and Nebraska.

Expect thunderstorms to continue throughout the night across much of the state. The potential for heavy rains exist throughout the state, flood watches have been issued to blanket the state as well due to this threat. Portions of the state, especially the southern third may see a few storms capable of large hail and damaging winds. Please stay alert throughout the night as the storms move through, as even strong straight-line winds can create damage to homes and pose a threat to life.

Tornado Watch #229 has now been issued to cover portions of the severe thunderstorm watches that may pose a threat for tornadoes during the overnight hours. A strong low level jet combined with ongoing storms may produce tornadoes with the broken line of surface based supercells that are moving along the NE/KS borders. This tornado watch will include the counties of Montgomery, Fremont, and Paige counties in Iowa until 7 am.

Once storms have moved through the state during the overnight hours, they may continue throughout the day and pose a limited severe threat. However, by the afternoon hours sufficient instability may have built up to pose a large hail and damaging wind threat. This threat will mainly include eastern Iowa...

Later updates are possible during the night and tomorrow morning on any severe weather threat and forecast changes...

Read More

April 24 Severe Weather Update #2

Several severe thunderstorm warnings were issued this evening and early tonight for storms in western and central Iowa. Even a tornado warning was issued for a short time for a storm to the east of Webster City. All of the reports thus far have been for hail between .75 and 1 inch in diameter, a wind gust of 60 mph to the north of Iowa Falls was also reported. Otherwise a mainly heavy rain and impressive lightning event across the state that doesn't look to come to an end anytime soon tonight.

Currently a line of thunderstorms from northeast Iowa into central Iowa, with a broken line of thunderstorms through west-central Iowa. A few showers and thunderstorms are also lingering in the northwestern quarter of the state at this hour. Additional storms have finally developed along the KS/NE borders as the low level jet has kicked in. These storms should continue to work northeastward and may congeal into the MCS that I've mentioned in previous posts. This MCS will likely be a early morning event for the state, the potential for damaging winds and some marginal hail may exist.

Updates may be provided later tonight if storms warrant, otherwise expect some stormy weather to continue through the night and into the day tomorrow with another round possible for the eastern half of the state during the afternoon.

Read More

April 24 Severe Weather Update

A line of thunderstorms in northern Iowa has expanded into a broken line of thunderstorms across portions of western Iowa. Previously within the past hour a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for portions of Emmet and Kossuth county in northern Iowa for the threat of hail. A tornado was reported by an off-duty law enforcement office to the north of Bancroft, however the validity of this report is currently unknown.

Expect this line of thunderstorms to continue to move eastward during the evening hours, with the potential for a few severe thunderstorm warnings with the threat of mainly large hail. Damaging winds may also be a concern if a linear segment can form with the northern storms. The line is currently running from west of Albert Lea, MN southwestward to Pocahontas, IA and then southward through Carrol, IA. The storms are moving mainly east/northeastward and should continue to do so...

After this line of storms, potential for more thunderstorms this evening and overnight is still there. With the threat of severe weather once again with a nighttime MCS coming out of Nebraska during the early morning hours tomorrow.

Currently between classes and a meeting, more updates possible later tonight as the threat of severe weather continues across the state.

Read More

April 24 Severe Weather

A few thunderstorms exist over the state as we enter early Thursday, these storms shouldn't capable of much more than some moderate rain and a few lightning strikes. Some gusty winds may accompany the storms in the southern third of the state, as more moisture exists in that region. These isolated storms should continue overnight and may continue into the daytime hours. Expect clearing to take place though as a warm front moves northward through the state. The southern two-thirds of the state should see temperatures in the 70s and a few 80s even dependent on the clouds. Moisture will also make a rapid return into the state, with 50s and even 60s for dew points. This combination of moisture and warmth is likely to provide the state with some instability that will be realized by thunderstorms during the evening and overnight hours.

The severe weather setup for the plains is likely to consist of a cold front, dryline, low pressure system and a trough or two. The troughs are likely to be established from tonights' convection, although already weakening. The cold front and dryline intersection is going to be a big target area for storms, this is likely to occur over portions of south-central or southwestern Nebraska and north-central/northwest Kansas in the afternoon and evening hours. Other storms may develop along the cold front through eastern Nebraska and potentially into western Iowa. That potential is dependent on clearing and the advancement of a pseudo-warm front that features the moisture to the south. Other portions of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas may also see severe weather along a dryline/trough.

SPC outlook for day 1 was just issued as well as I've completed typing the paragraph above. Their first outlook of the day is going to put the western half of Iowa under a slight risk for severe weather; while limiting a moderate risk to areas of north-central Kansas and south-central Nebraska where the cold front and dryline intersection is likely. Although Iowa is currently only featured under a slight risk, just across the border marks an area that is still under a pretty good threat of severe weather. With the potential of this system to move quicker (or slower), areas of western Iowa should still be on the lookout for the severe potential. The main threats with the severe weather will likely come during the late evening and overnight hours as a strong MCS system. Damaging winds and large hail are thus likely to be the main threats with the storms overnight on Thursday.

Additional severe weather updates may be made later during the day on Thursday...

Read More

Stormy Forecast

Thunderstorms are expected to make their way into the state this evening and continue through the night. Thunderstorms should once again develop during the afternoon and evening on Thursday, with the potential for a few severe storms. The severe weather threat for tomorrow should be limited to the western half of the state. Portions of the state may be under a significant risk for severe weather, this may be addressed in later updates tonight. Thunderstorms should continue across the entire state overnight on Thursday with a continued risk for winds and hail with stronger storms. Dependent on the movement of the system, it looks like the eastern half of the state may have a chance at severe weather Friday afternoon as the front moving across the state once again lights up with thunderstorms. The main risks of wind and hail seem likely at this time throughout the forecast, however tomorrow afternoon may have the risk for isolated tornadoes in portions of the state and especially in areas of Kansas/Nebraska. More information on tomorrow's severe weather threat will be posted late tonight as the evening model runs come in and additional details can be known.

As for the weather besides the storms, a great day today with highs ranging from the mid 70s to lower 80s! Strong southeasterly winds should continue to pull in the warm air, a warm front should lift northward and provide ample moisture for the state as well. Dew points in southwestern Iowa are in the mid 50s and higher, forecasts continue this moisture increase into the upper 50s and lower 60s. These winds also provide Iowa with high temperatures tomorrow in the 70s, potentially a few 80s if the sun can hold through the afternoon.

As the cold front pushes through the state Thursday evening, lows overnight should range from near 60 to near 40 from southeast to northwest Iowa. Friday highs from the upper 60s ahead of the front in southeast Iowa to the lower 50s in northwest Iowa. This cold front is quite strong, thus the potential for severe weather; expect lows heading into this weekend to range from the lower 40s to lower 30s! A bit of a chilly weekend ahead, so enjoy today and tomorrow before the thunderstorms and cold air work over the state.

As mentioned previously, updates tonight will address the thunderstorm risk overnight and go into detail on tomorrow's risk of severe weather for the state.

Read More

A Few Thunderstorms

The warmer temperatures aloft, along with cloudiness during the afternoon hours was enough to hold off any thunderstorms until the past hour or so. Once the sun was able to set and allow some cooling to occur we were able to initiate some storms. Struggling at first and still fairly isolated, however a few nice showers and thunderstorms are now underway across north-central Iowa. Currently as of 10:30 PM it looks like the best area of thunder includes Franklin, Hardin, and Marshall counties. These storms should move off to the northeast at roughly 30 mph.

You can view the latest Des Moines NWS Radar image, as well as loops, from my website, Iowa Chaser

Storms should continue to develop over the next several hours across the state, with isolated thunder and lightning included. The best chance for these storms should be east of a Mason City to Omaha, NE line. The severe threat for the night is fairly limited, with the best change at anything being some pea-sized hail if a stronger storm may develop. A nice spring rain for the most part overnight, with some clouds lingering into the day tomorrow. Redevelopment of some showers and thunderstorms is going to be possible over parts of eastern Iowa tomorrow as this cold front is slow to push eastward. Highs though should still be mild, mid to upper 60s throughout the state.

Read More

Iowa Chaser Website

My main website, www.iowachaser.com will likely be unavailable later tonight due to some server changes. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and the site will only be unavailable for a couple of hours during the overnight. I will update if any changes are made to the schedule of downtime, but currently expect the site to be unavailable from ~10 PM until Midnight. Thanks

Read More

Thunderstorms (Slight Severe Risk)

We warm up nicely today with strong southerly winds bringing up both the temperatures and moisture. As we finally got rid of the slow system that affected the state for several days, western Iowa saw clear skies for part of the day yesterday while the rest of the state cleared out overnight. Today's highs will range from near 70 to the mid 70s throughout the state; lows tonight will only drop into the upper 40s and lower 50s as the dew points continue to rise. This rise in southerly flow is in response to a system that is going to be moving into the state late Monday afternoon. This cold front will create conditions for showers and thunderstorms during the late afternoon and evening hours tomorrow. Dependent on moisture return and the lift that the front can create, the potential may exist for a few isolated severe thunderstorms. The severe risk looks to be fairly limited, mainly a threat for large hail or damaging winds. Current SPC outlook has a portion of south-central Iowa under the slight risk, however later updates tomorrow may include a larger area of the state.

Highs tomorrow should be in the 70s throughout central and eastern Iowa; western Iowa may be under the influence of the cold front and thus mid to upper 60s for highs seem likely. Showers and thunderstorms should continue from the early evening through the overnight, affecting most of the state. Lows Monday night will have a wide range, from the upper 50s in southeastern Iowa to lows near 40 in extreme northwest Iowa. Showers and thunderstorms may continue for eastern Iowa for Tuesday as the front is slow to move out; highs in the 60s throughout the state.

After this system moves out temperatures should still remain mild with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s for the most part. Another system will likely move into the state on Thursday with the potential for more showers and thunderstorms.

Read More

Cold Front

Currently the cold front that has slowly made its' way across the state is located from near LaCrosse, WI through Osceola, IA and continuing to the southwest through Kansas. This front had already entered northwest Iowa this morning, but has only made very slow progress throughout the day. Winds shift dramatically with the frontal passage, south or southwesterly flow ahead while north/northwest winds behind. Temperature range across the front is generally 10 degrees as it was throughout the day today. Despite this cold front, highs today ranged from the upper 60s in northwest Iowa to the upper 70s.

This frontal passage isn't likely to make it far, as it slowly moves through the remainder of the state overnight tonight and becomes stationary for the day. This will allow the warmer air to override the front and provide most of the state with abundant rain showers throughout the day on Thursday and into Thursday night. Low pressure is expected to finally begin to move the front by Friday evening after another day of rain showers. Some portions of eastern Iowa may still see lingering showers on Saturday, however by the evening the state should finally be clear of any precip.

Temperatures for the remainder of the week should still be quite mild, even considering the rain and clouds that are likely tomorrow through Saturday. Lows tonight from near 40 to lower 50s from northwest to southeast. Highs tomorrow in the 50s throughout, with lowest temperatures expected where the rain is likely to hold strong throughout the day. Thursday night and Friday night lows should range from the mid 30s in the northwest to the mid 40s in the southeasten quarter. Friday's highs likely in the upper 50s for both the northwestern and southeastern corners of the state; with the lower 50s expected through the rest of the state as showers continue. The warm air will once again enter the state on Saturday as that system moves out, highs expected to be in the upper 50s in the east to near 70 along the Missouri River.

Expect those warm temperatures, along with moisture to return over the weekend ahead of another strong system. Several NWS offices already mentioning the strong potential for thunderstorms and the possibility of a severe weather event over the Mississippi Valley early next week.

Read More

Solid Spring Week

With a weekend of well below normal temperatures, cold rain, and snow across the state of Iowa it is great to look ahead and see what this next week has in store. Today was much improved over the previous two, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 40s across the state. Tomorrow should once again see the drastic jump in temperatures, ranging from the lower 50s in the east to the lower 60s in the west. Lows Monday night in the 30s across the state, but should still be above freezing. Tuesday will once again see an increase in temperatures as a ridge takes hold of the central US. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s from east to west as southerly winds continue to be gusty from the south. Lows Tuesday night in the mid 40s to lower 50s across the state.

Mid-week looks to continue the streak of great spring temperatures, with a few spring-time thunderstorms also possible as a weak front lingers over the state. These thunderstorms and rain showers look to begin Wednesday night across much of the state, lingering through Thursday night in central and eastern Iowa. Eastern Iowa may even be lucky enough to potentially see some lingering into the day on Friday as well as the system just doesn't want to push out of the state.

Wednesday highs in the lower 60s to lower 70s from northwest to southeast; lows ranging from the upper 30s to upper 40s respectively. Thursdays' highs may be hampered by some cloud cover and showers/thunderstorms over some portions of the state. However highs still expected in the 60s across the state; lows in or near the 40s. Fridays' highs and lows expected to range in the 60s and 40s respectively once again as the previous system clears out and we look to warm up even more for the weekend.

Read More

April 10 Iowa Tornado Surveys

The National Weather Service offices in Des Moines and Davenport have completed their surveys' of several tornadoes that swept across southern Iowa on Thursday, April 10. In total there were 8 tornadoes that covered portions of six counties. Of the eight tornadoes, they were given the following EF-Scale ratings:

(3) EF-0
(4) EF-1
(1) EF-2

Luckily, no injuries or fatalities were reported with any of these tornadoes. To read the entire reports from both Des Moines and Davenport, please select one of the links below to be taken to the survey page.

Des Moines NWS Survey Page

Davenport NWS Survey Page

Read More

Behind the Low

After yesterdays' extensive rainfall and severe weather that crossed through the state, the low pressure system is currently slowly moving over the state. The low became a cut-off low pressure system yesterday, indicating that it would likely move slowly as well as weaken. That is what current surface trends are indicating, as the lowest pressure has rose from 987 mb to 990 mb over the past 5 hours. The system will still have some showers and snow showers wrapped around the circulation that is likely to effect most of the state through this afternoon. Extreme northwest Iowa is still under a Winter Weather Advisory for snowfall accumulations in the 1-3 inch range. The heaviest snowfall has luckily stayed off into South Dakota and Minnesota.

Temperatures today will struggle, with a majority of the state actually seeing falling temperatures through the afternoon. Expect highs in the 30s and 40s for most of the state, likely to occur before Noon. Some snowfall may stick around through the night and last into tomorrow, with mainly flurries. Expect chilly temperatures through Saturday before we begin to warm up nicely for next week.

On the note of severe weather that occurred last night, the National Weather Service offices are conducting surveys throughout the day today. Once those are posted tonight I will try to also update the blog with all of the surveys and any other information about the severe weather on April 10.

Read More

Tornado Warning(s) -- Southern Iowa

Update: 6:45 PM, Two tornado warned storms are moving over eastern Iowa with another round of thunderstorms possible as the evening progresses. I will be unable to provide updates in near 'real-time' for the remainder of the evening. Please listen to your local radio and TV for any updates throughout the evening if you are in an area for a potential severe weather threat.

----------------------------------------------

Update: 6:30 PM, Tornadoes warnings continue for two seperate cells. The first located and going through portions of Poweshiek and Tama counties. The second through Van Buren, Jefferson and Henry. Both storms are being indicated to have strong rotation via radar and may be capable of producing a tornado.

----------------------------------------------

Update: 6:16 PM, Law Enforcement is reporting a tornado on the ground 1 mile southeast of Lebanon, IA. This storm and tornado still moving northeast ~45 mph.

Poweshiek county now looking at a tornadic storm as strong rotation still evident on radar near Barnes City, IA. That storm is also moving northeast at 40 mph and may effect Deep River within the next 5 minutes.

----------------------------------------------

Update: 6:10 PM, A new tornado warned storm has entered the state of Iowa and has prompted warnings. This storm is located south of Keosaqua, IA and is moving northeast at 40 mph. This storm is expected to pass through portions of Van Buren, Jefferson, Lee, and Henry counties within the next 30 minutes. Please stay up to date via TV or radio for the latest updates on those storms.

----------------------------------------------

Update: 6:00 PM, Currently the storm is moving northward into an unfavorable environment for tornadoes. However, this storm still indicates signs of rotation and thus may still post a threat for tornadoes. Currently the strongest rotation is ~10 miles northeast of Oskaloosa, IA and moving northeast at 45 mph.

----------------------------------------------

Update: 5:50 PM, Spotters have recently reported only a funnel now just to the west/southwest of Eddyville approximately 5 minutes ago. This storm may still be capable of producing a tornado and has a history of doing so.

----------------------------------------------

Update: 5:35 PM, Spotters continue to report that a large tornado is on the ground near Albia (likely north) and is moving northeast ~50 mph. The NWS is indicating that this storm has heavy rainfall and the tornado may be rain-wrapped making it hard to see. Those in the path of this storm should seek shelter.

----------------------------------------------

Update: At 5:22 PM, Spotters continue to report a large and dangerous tornado near Albia, IA moving northeast at ~55 mph.

----------------------------------------------

Currently one strong cell is moving through Moravia, IA and quickly moving northeast at speeds up to 70 mph. This storm is expected to continue to move through Monroe county in south-central Iowa and into portions of Mahaska and Wapello counties.

The latest updates have indicated that a potentially large and dangerous tornado is on the ground and may have went through the town of Moravia. Some damage has been reported to at least one house and garage.

Read More

Tornado Watch & Warnings

A complex of thunderstorms has worked its' way through north-central Missouri this afternoon, crossing the warm front and continuing into south-central Iowa currently. These storms are capable of producing tornadoes and thus warnings have been issued for several counties for the potential for tornadoes. Some small hail may also be a possibility with these storms. The storms are unique in that they are typically low-topped and fairly unimpressive on radar; however there is such a large amount of shear available that they are easily rotating.

The storms are moving nearly straight north, at speeds over 50 mph. Making them quite dangerous for anybody in the path of these storms. Luckily at this time only one tornado has been reported near Bethany, MO some time ago, however the storms are going to be capable of producing tornadoes for the remainder of the evening. A new tornado watch has just been issued by the Storm Prediction Center for portions of south-central and southeast Iowa until 11 PM tonight. Expect storms to continue to move into the favorable area throughout the evening, thus even after one storm passes through still stay on the lookout for additional storms that may be moving your way.

'Live' radar updates are being provided on the Iowa Chaser homepage, with images enhanced for those areas that are being affected by the current tornado warned storms.

Read More

Very Windy & Stormy

I've awoke this morning to a dark apartment, as a fairly large power outage is occurring in Ames this morning. I'm unaware of how this outage occurred, but high winds may easily have something to do with it. Much of central Iowa has been listed under a Wind Advisory as winds are sustained 30-35 mph and gusting up to near 45 mph. These highs winds are likely to continue through the day and into this evening. A low pressure system is responsible for these very high winds and will continue to track into the state late tonight. With the low pressure system is going to come significant precipitation chances for the entire state, with heavy snows in extreme northwest Iowa to severe weather in the southeast.

Potential for severe weather looks to include anywhere south of a Dubuque to Omaha, NE line. Large hail and damaging winds are the leading threats, however isolated tornadoes are not going to be ruled out. The strongest of the storms look to occur well south of the state through southern Missouri and Arkansas. Another area of enhanced severe weather may also be possible in northwest Missouri and adjacent areas of Iowa. Residents of those areas should keep an eye out for any severe weather and listen to local TV or radio to stay updated.

For those in the northwest, expect rain beginning today, but a turn over to snow is likely this evening. Lyon county in northwest Iowa has been put under a Blizzard Warning, as snow totals upwards of 6 inches are likely with winds above 25 mph. Other adjacent counties in northwest Iowa have been put under a Winter Weather Advisory where 3-5 inches of snow may be expected. Other areas north of a Onawa, IA to LaCrosse, WI line should expect to see the potential for accumulating snow overnight tonight. Totals through those areas should be in the 1-3 inch range with the heaviest to the northwest.

Very active weather day in Iowa, more updates possible later if the potential for severe weather increases.

Read More

Wind, Snow, Rain, Hail, & Tornadoes?

A very strong low pressure system is expected to track directly over the state tomorrow evening and overnight. To the south and east of this low pressure system, a warm front is expected to be pulled northward allowing warm and moist air to infiltrate portions of the state. As the low continues to move northeastward during the evening, a cold front should accompany it through the state. The combination of the fronts and low, along with the rest of the dynamics is going to produce a large threat for severe weather over the southeastern quarter of the state. While damaging winds and large hail are going to be main threats, tornadoes are also going to be possible with the extreme amounts of wind shear that are available to these storms. Currently the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has this quarter of the state under a Slight risk, with a Moderate risk just along the MO/IA border that extends southward. Indications from the SPC lean towards the potential for an upgrade to high risk for portions of Missouri, Arkansas and other surrounding states. Portions of the moderate risk may extend into southeastern Iowa depending on the northward progress of the warm front. Either way, people in the southeast quarter of the state should be aware of this potential and after the tornado warning testing today with Severe Weather Awareness week people should definitely be on top of things and prepared.

On the other side of this system, precipitation is still likely as the front moves northeastward through the state and towards the Great Lakes region. Various winter weather watches and warnings have been issued for portions of WI/MN/SD/NE and Lyon county in extreme northwest Iowa. Lyon county could be seeing upwards of 6 inches of snowfall with this system, while areas just to the southeast of them could still see 2-6 inches of snowfall. Anywhere north of a line from LaCrosse, WI to Fort Dodge through Onawa, IA could see accumulating snowfall upwards of 2 inches. Areas south of that line may still see snowfall, mainly Friday morning, however accumulations more than an inch seem unlikely at this time. Even where only rain is expected, problems may exist with the aforementioned severe weather as well as flooding concerns as several inches of water may be seen for some areas.

Today is looking to be the last warm day until early next week, as cold air behind this upcoming system will keep us below the 50 degree mark. More updates tonight on the severe weather potential and accumulating snowfall potential may be expected.

Read More

Beautiful Spring Day!

And it is about time we had one here over the entire state! Temperatures even at 11 am have rose up into the mid to upper 50s for the most part across the state, with much more heating to go we can expect to see temperatures to range from the lower 60s to the lower 70s by late this afternoon. Everybody better get outside and enjoy the weekend, as rain and thunderstorms, along with another chance snow will become likely throughout the next week.

I believe I'll be enjoying a softball game or two this afternoon, Iowa State vs #6 Texas A&M here in Ames. I may also try to get a few pictures of the events if I can, maybe post them up tonight for your enjoyment. Enjoy the day!

Read More

Spring?!

We've been flirting with spring for the past couple weeks in Iowa, at times bringing highs up into the 50s across the state with warm southerly winds. But, then we'd have a system come through and bring behind it the cold air which of course allowed us to see more of that white stuff. Strangely enough, looking at the highs for Ames today in the map room of the Meteorology department here at ISU we noticed that we had yet to reach 60 degrees once this year! We look to break that streak potentially this weekend, if not this weekend there may be potential even next week. Several systems look to come through the state over the next week, including a potentially strong system next week.

Starting out with highs tomorrow, generally consistent across the state with mid and upper 40s under heavy cloudcover. Expect rain showers to cut through the southern half of the state during the afternoon and into the overnight. Areas of northern Iowa may see some isolated showers, however their chances are much lower than those in the south. Lows Thursday night in the upper 20s to mid 30s from northwest to southeast, some showers may remain in the area for the southeast as well. We'll rebound temperatures nicely for Friday with highs in the mid to upper 50s throughout. This gives way to lows in the lower and mid 30s for the overnight.

The weekend is going to start off great, with highs from the upper 50s to lower 60s under clear skies. The lows for Saturday night should stay above freezing for the entire state, mid 30s in the northwest to lower 40s throughout the southern half. It's a good thing the temps will be above freezing, as our next system is going to bring a low pressure system right across the state. Rain and potential thunder will last through Sunday, pulling out of the state during the early nighttime hours Sunday night. Temperatures on Sunday will range from the 40s north of the low in extreme northern Iowa to near 60 in the southeast where the warm sector of the system looks to be located. Sunday night lows from near 30 in the northwest to near 40 in the southeast.

We reach into the first half of next week with highs in the 50s and 60s across the state Monday through Wednesday. Lows expected in the 30s on Monday night, but some moisture return into the state will likely hold lows on Tuesday night in the upper 30s to 40s. From Tuesday through the next couple of days after will likely have chances of rain and thunderstorms with the next potentially significant storm system. Some talk has already started on next Wednesday for severe weather in the plains, more information on this and any changes in the forecast in later updates.

Read More