September 23 Lightning Pictures

I decided that I would upload some of the pictures that I took last night of the lightning near Ames, Iowa between 8 PM and around 9 PM. I was positioned southwest of Ames waiting for the storms to arrive, they were previously severe warned, but at the time of arrival to my location the storms featured only 40 mph winds and some heavy rain. The lightning even within the core of the storm was quite impressive, several CG strikes that were nearby to create amazing thunder.

The images that I captured were definitely not the greatest, as the heavy rains and windy conditions meant that I couldn't pull out the tripod. This led me to capture all of the images featured by holding the camera against the door frame and using manual shutter release. Another problem with the photos was the manual focus was off, creating many of the images to look 'soft' or in other words, the lightning isn't the sharpest that it could have been. Either way, no amazing shots that I really missed out on, so chalk it up as having to be more prepared next time.

September 23 Lightning Gallery

As you can see, this is a new type of setup that I have for this gallery. I believe that with time I will make all my galleries in this format, or some variation of sorts. Using the flash slideshow leaves the images clearer, and with less distortion compared to my ongoing gallery I have now. Let me know what you think of the new format, and which one you'd rather see!

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Storm Totals

Thunderstorms and showers have become fairly limited across the state, with only southeastern Iowa expected to receive any additional rainfall today, however, these amounts should remain under a tenth of an inch. While the southeast remains mostly cloudy, the rest of the state should see partly cloudy skies once the dense fog lifts. Expects the high temperatures to range from the mid 70s to near 80 from north to south across the state. Lows tonight should range from the upper 40s in northeastern Iowa, to the mid 50s across northwest and southeast Iowa, and then the upper 50s to near 60 across southwest Iowa. We'll also see the chance for additional showers and thunderstorms enter the forecast after midnight for areas of western Iowa (mainly northwest). These showers and storms should continue over mainly northwest Iowa on Thursday morning, while the rest of the state should remain dry. Highs on Thursday should range from the upper 70s to the lower 80s from northeast to southwest. Lows overnight in the mid 50s over eastern Iowa, to the lower 60s in western Iowa.

A look at some of the rainfall totals from yesterdays' and last nights' showers and storms:

Audubon - 3.59"
Mason City - 1.63"
Atlantic - 1.33"
Red Oak - 1.21"
Harlan - 0.68"
Ames - 0.47"
Pella - 0.33"
Sioux City - 0.32"
Des Moines - 0.17"
Ottumwa - 0.09"
Spencer - 0.04"
Cedar Rapids - 0.01"

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Continued Thunderstorms

Scattered thunderstorms developed across the state this afternoon, some of which became severe over southeast Iowa. These thunderstorms have continued to move northeastward during the afternoon/evening hours, and are continuing to develop across southeast Iowa. As we head into the day tomorrow, these thunderstorms should have moved across much of central Iowa and have become less numerous overnight. The severe weather threat with these storms should be fairly low, with only one or two warnings expected for mainly gusty winds.

At this time, areas that are west of a Forest City, to Carrol, to Omaha line, should be out of the thunderstorm chances. Areas east of there should continue to see thunderstorms throughout the night, or tomorrow morning. Storm total rainfall amounts should range between a quarter inch to an inch for the most part. Although some localized areas may see upwards of an inch or two inches where some training of the thunderstorm occurs.

Storm reports today have been for large hail, and a damaging wind gust; all of the reports have been fairly marginal with less than an inch diameter and wind gusts likely barely reaching 60 mph if at all.

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Severe Weather Update (Sep. 23)

A line of showers and thunderstorms has been slowly progressing eastward through the morning and afternoon hours. This line of storms has developed along a differential heating axis that is approximately 50 miles east of the cold front. The cold front will likely move eastward and begin to push these thunderstorms off to the east with time, moving them into central Iowa by evening and into eastern Iowa during the overnight hours.

The Storm Prediction Center did issue a discussion earlier this afternoon indicating that given moderate heating and moisture ahead of the cold front and cloud cover, that a few storms may be capable of severe weather. If this does occur, a severe thunderstorm watch may be issued later this afternoon that may encompass much of the western half of the state. The main threats with any of the storms will be damaging winds and some large hail, although the gusty winds with any storms are likely to be above 40 mph given strong winds in general this afternoon/evening. Any later updates will include the issuance of watches/warnings, or a general update on the progression of the storms.

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Severe Weather (Sep. 23)

The SPC has now upgraded areas of western Iowa into a slight risk of severe weather for this afternoon/evening. Moderate instability combined with fairly strong unidirectional shear will allow some thunderstorms capable of producing severe wind gusts in excess of 60 mph. Although there is also a small chance of large hail, the wind threat should be the main event.

Thunderstorm associated with last nights' convection have already entered the state and are continuing to affect portions of north-central Iowa currently. These thunderstorms should continue to move off to the east through the morning hours, and exit the state by Noon. Behind this area of showers/thunderstorms, the sky should clear allowing for sufficient heating to take place for the initiation of other thunderstorms this afternoon along the cold front. It does appear that the best threat for severe weather will be over northwest Iowa, as the best combination of shear/instability should be present there.

Additional updates are possible later this afternoon...

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First Fall Thunderstorms

A large line of thunderstorms has formed from the Canadian border through the Dakotas and into central Nebraska. A few of these storms have been severe warned for the possibility of both large hail and damaging winds. These storms should continue to move northeastward overnight tonight, as the cold front responsible for these storms also slowly slides eastward.

This cold front will continue to move eastward during the day tomorrow, reaching Iowa by the afternoon hours. This front will move across Iowa, and likely slow as the upper level features begin to pull off to the north. The front should exit the state during the early morning hours of Wednesday, taking a majority of the precipitation with it. Total rain amounts with the storms during the afternoon and overnight tomorrow could be fairly high, with plenty of moisture available and continued lift along the cold front. Anywhere from a half inch to an inch may be possible with the strongest storms. These strong storms may be able to produce an isolated strong wind gust during the afternoon hours, with a very small chance that a storm could reach severe limits given the limited instability and shear.

Although there is a limited severe threat, the timing across central Iowa may bring the thunderstorms through just after dusk. This means the potential for some lightning photography if the storms are cooperative, so I may have updates tomorrow evening on the storms if they are strong. Otherwise, look for some moderate to heavy rainfall tomorrow across the state from the morning hours through the afternoon in western Iowa; then over central Iowa overnight and through eastern Iowa by Noon on Wednesday.

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Some Rain...

Although there is rain in the forecast for the first half of the week, the weather looks to remain quite nice for the state through the next week. Temperatures should remain near or above normal through the week, with only a few scattered showers or thunderstorms possible as a cold front moves through the state. A look at the entire week ahead is just below:

Upper 70s to lower 80s today for high temperatures, with mostly clear skies throughout the state. Lows overnight tonight should drop into the mid 50s in the east, and only the lower 60s in the west. Moisture begins to increase in the western third of the state, just ahead and along a warm front that will give some of the first shower/thunderstorm chances for the state this week. These chances enter the western third of the state for Monday morning into the afternoon as the front quickly moves off to the north. Highs on Monday should be in the upper 70s and lower 80s throughout the state, with clear to cloudy skies from east to west. Monday night lows should be in the upper 50s to lower 60s from east to west, as increased moisture and clouds keep the west warmer. Through the day on Monday you will also have to watch for the winds, as they increase from the south at 15-25 mph, with some gusts likely above 30 mph.

A fairly diffuse cold front will begin to affect the state on Tuesday, bringing the continued chance of showers and thunderstorms to the state. Tuesday into Tuesday night will see the best threat of thunderstorms, with all but the southeast corner likely to see the chance of rain. Tuesday highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s from north to south; with lows overnight in the lower 50s to lower 60s from northwest to southeast as the cold front affects the temperatures in northwest Iowa.

Small chances of a lingering shower continue for eastern Iowa on Wednesday, but highs should be in the mid to upper 70s across the state. Wednesday night lows in the mid to upper 50s across the state. Thursday and Friday remain just above normal for temperatures, with highs in the mid 70s to lower 80s across the state; Overnight lows in the mid 50s to near 60 across the state. We look to continue the nice weather into next weekend and potentially even through the entire next week as well!

The next weather update is likely Monday evening, as the potential for thunderstorms is bringing up the potential for an isolated severe storm. Details on that threat will be the topic of that discussion.

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Football Forecasts!

After last weeks' chilly and/or rainy play throughout the state during both Friday night's high school games and the Iowa vs Iowa State game, this weeks' weather here in the state of Iowa looks amazing! Iowa State will take to the road, although to fabulous Las Vegas where they take on UNLV after they upset Arizona State last week. Iowa will come off of their in-state rivalry win with a game against Pittsburgh, at Pittsburgh. Once again we'll take a look at the two college games first, then look at some of the premier match-ups in high school football. Want to see your game forecasted? Send me an email, or leave a comment, and I'll be sure to check out your game next week!


Iowa State @ UNLV - 8 PM CDT (6 PM local)
Iowa State will be welcomed on the road by a team who is coming off of a huge win against a top 25 opponent. Iowa State will try to fight off any feelings left from the sour Iowa loss last week, hoping to get their offense back on track, and have the defense step up against the rush. Kick-off at 6 PM local time in Las Vegas will leave the sun setting on a wonderful day out there. The afternoon high is expected to be in the mid 90s, but a drop to 90 degrees is likely by the time the game begins. The temperature should continue to drop nicely, finding the 80 degree mark by game end. Windy during the afternoon, but will die down some for game time, still expect winds from the southwest at a breezy 10-20 mph.


Iowa @ Pittsburgh - 11:05 AM CDT (~Noon local)
Iowa finds themselves slight underdogs on the road against Pittsburgh, but momentum from last week will definitely aid in making it an exciting game once again. The forecast for the game is much better than last week, with only partly cloudy skies and warming temperatures. Kick-off temperature of 66 degrees should rise into the lower 70s by halftime and continue to rise slowly through the end of the game. Winds from the southwest will stay fairly light, generally around 5 mph.


High School Football - ~7 PM Kick-offs

Class 4-A
#6 Iowa City High vs. Iowa City West
An inter-city game in Iowa City will be our key match-up in Class 4-A this week. Expect a temperature in the mid 70s for the start of the game, with a drop into the upper 60s by game end. Clear skies with winds from the southwest at 5-10 will keep Iowa City's weather for football very nice.

Class 3-A
#1 Bishop Heelan Catholic (Sioux City) vs. Estherville-Lincoln-Central
The #1 team in the state will travel to an ELC team that lost their first game of the season last week by a 13-12 score. The weather in northwest Iowa shouldn't be a problem either, with a kick-off temperature of 74 degrees. Expect the winds to stay fairly light, southwest at 5-10 mph. By game end, the temperature will have dropped into the mid 60s.

Class 2-A
#3 IKM/Manning vs. Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)
Heading down to southwestern Iowa, the combination of IKM and Manning look to take on their toughest game of the year thus far. Skies remain clear, with temperatures beginning in the mid 70s and dropping to the mid 60s by game end. Winds remain light, southerly at 5-10 mph.

Class 1-A
Saint Ansgar vs. # 2 Emmetsburg
Back to northwest Iowa, where the E-Hawks will take the field at home. Kick-off temperature of 74 degrees, dropping to 65 by the game ending horn. Winds like the rest of the state will be between 5-10 mph under the clear skies.

Class A
#1 Madrid vs. Colo-Nesco
Into central Iowa where the #1 team in Class A will take on a Colo-Nesco team that has played well thus far this season. Mid 70s as the game begins, with a drop to the mid 60s at game end. Clear skies will allow the stars to shine, and light winds will keep the game weather great.

Eight-man
#2 West Central (Maynard) vs. Springville
Ending this week in eastern Iowa, where two good offenses in 8-man will go against each other. Kick-off temperature will be a bit cooler than the rest of the state, still a nice 72 degrees. The light winds and clear skies will allow the temperature to drop to a brisk 64 degrees by game end.


Check back next Thursday as I'll once again take a look at the football forecast for the weekend.

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Boring Weather!?!

If you enjoy nice sunny skies with temperatures in the 70s, then this week is for you. After our latest round of heavy rains across the state, the pattern over the central US is going to be quite boring. An upper level ridge will be in place, bringing any fronts and low pressure systems well to the north. A high pressure is likely to remain focused over the plains through at least the next week. With the high pressure in place, expect mainly clear to partly cloudy skies to be in the forecast with general climatology for temperatures for the most part.

Highs today were below average, only in the 60s for much of the state while averages in the 70s. Tomorrow will be around 10 degrees warmer than yesterday, and hover around the same through this upcoming weekend. Tonight's lows will range from the lower 40s to the upper 40s from generally north to south. Leaving a near chilly start for tomorrow, but highs will rise into the mid 70s along the Mississippi River to near 80 along the Missouri. These highs will remain within a degree or two of Tuesday's highs for the remainder of the week, so expect the mid to upper 70s throughout the state, with a few 80-degree marks thrown in along the western borders of Iowa. Lows overnight on Tuesday will range from the mid 40s to lower 50s over the state, and become even warmer on Wednesday night with lows ranging from the lower to mid 50s. These lows will stay fairly consistent into the weekend as the nice weather continues.

Enjoy the week of nice weather, our next chance at any change doesn't look to be until mid next week.

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A Wet Weekend

Late last week and into the weekend was quite wet for a large portion of Iowa, with heavy rains and tropical moisture brought it not by Ike, but rather the Pacific tropical system Lowell. This tropical system came through northwestern Mexico and into the central plains, allowing several inches of rain to fall throughout the plains states. Some of the heaviest rains were in northern Missouri, Illinois, and southeast Iowa. A few flash flood or flood warnings were issued over the weekend for parts of southeast Iowa, but the water has since subsided and the forecast calls for sunny to partly sunny skies for the remainder of the week.

Temperatures through the week will range from the mid 60s to lower 70s today, then should remain above 70 throughout the week. A few areas may be able to reach the lower 80s during mid-week across the state, either way, it'll be a good week to enjoy.

A few of the rainfall totals from this past week of rain shows the winning city being Fort Madison, with 7.29 inches of rain. Other parts of southeast Iowa, including Burlington (6.21"), Lamoni (5.67"), and the Quad Cities (4.06") saw impressive amounts. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City both saw amounts over 3 inches, with Dubuque, Des Moines, Ames, and Marshalltown all surpassing the 2 inch mark. Sioux City was the only northwest Iowa spot that got passed the 1 inch mark, with other areas such as Spencer and Estherville only getting around three-quarters of an inch.

Detailed forecasts for the remainder of the week in later updates!

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