Welcome Back Winter...

Winter tried to take a break from the state, with temperatures rising well above freezing in some areas and the sun shining brightly. It didn't last too long though as a strong cold front and low pressure system have moved into the state this morning and allowed temperatures to free-fall with winds increasing 20-35 mph. The combination of falling temperatures and continued high winds will allow wind chill values in the -20s and -30s tonight across parts of northern Iowa. Some snowfall is also expected across the state this afternoon and overnight as the cold front and low pressure system move through. The heaviest amounts are likely over southeast Iowa where 1-2 inches of snow is possible during the overnight hours. Beyond today, expect the cold conditions to continue through Wednesday this week...

Lows tonight ranging from -10 to 10 degrees from the northwest corner to the southeast corner. As mentioned previously, with strong northwest winds the wind chill values will be well below zero across the entire state. Highs on Monday will range from the single digits to the teens across the state, with lows falling into the teens below zero and single digits at best. A slight warm-up on Tuesday with highs near 10 to near 20 from northwest to southeast. Tuesday night lows will range from the single digits above and below zero to a few temperatures just above 10 degrees in the southeast. Teens to lower 20s expected on Wednesday, with lows overnight finally ranging in the single digits above zero for the entire state.

I'll leave today's post with an image that I took today just north of Pocahontas, Iowa where a northbound semi lost control due to high winds and somewhat slick conditions and managed itself into the southbound ditch.