Spring Feel...

For the remainder of the work week the state will be in a spring-like feeling, with temperatures well above normal under clear skies and strong southerly flow. The portions of western and northern Iowa that previously had snow-cover saw it all melt away today under the clear skies and temperatures into the 40s. The portions of the state without snow-cover saw temperatures into the 50s. This warming trend will continue for tomorrow and steady-off for Friday, just before our next system moves in for the weekend.

Temperatures on Thursday will range from the mid 50s in the north to the mid 60s in the south. Clear skies and strong southerly winds of 10-20 mph will keep it feeling just slightly cooler than that. Low temperatures on Thursday night will be from near 30 in the northwest corner, to the mid 40s in the southeast. Friday will once again be above normal, partly cloudy skies will allow plenty of sunshine. However, a high pressure system located over the state will keep the strong southerly flow away from the state and thus slightly cooler. Highs in the lower 50s to lower 60s from north to south are expected. Friday night lows will range from near 30 in northwest Iowa to the mid 40s in southern Iowa once again.

A low pressure system should begin to effect the state on Saturday, with a warm front moving into the state with warm and moist conditions just south. Thunderstorms look to be a distinct possibility across southern Iowa, with general showers across the northern half. Some previous forecasts had mentioned the possibility for a rain/snow mix during the height of precipitation. Currently it looks to remain too warm until Saturday night for any frozen precip, but forecasters are going to be watching closely to see how the forecast evolves.