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.