Iowa residents should brace for an onslaught of winter weather this week, as snow, freezing rain, and subzero windchills are set to sweep across the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued advisories highlighting potential travel disruptions and the need for caution.
Snowfall Begins in Western Iowa
Snowfall began early Tuesday afternoon in parts of western Iowa and is expected to spread across the state through Tuesday night. According to the NWS in Des Moines, snowfall will likely persist into Wednesday morning, potentially impacting the morning commute, especially in the Des Moines metro area.
More Snow and Freezing Conditions Ahead
The rest of the week will bring a mix of wintry weather, including scattered snow showers, freezing rain, and gusty winds. A special weather statement is in effect for western Iowa, while eastern Iowa faces a hazardous weather outlook extending into the weekend.
Here’s the detailed forecast for the week:
Tuesday Night: Central Iowa can expect snowfall starting around 5 p.m., with up to 1 inch of accumulation. Winds from the west will accompany a 60% chance of precipitation.
Wednesday: Morning flurries are expected to clear by afternoon, but temperatures will remain frigid, with a high of 22°F and a low of 17°F. Wind chills could drop to 0°F due to 17-20 mph winds.
Thursday: A 20% chance of snow, mainly in southern and central Iowa, with temperatures reaching a high of 18°F and a low of 12°F.
Friday: The weather intensifies as northern Iowa faces snow, central Iowa experiences freezing rain and snow, and southern Iowa sees rain. Temperatures will range from a high of 33°F to a low of 28°F. Travelers should prepare for disruptions statewide.
Saturday: A 30% chance of rain in the morning with mostly cloudy skies. The high will be 38°F, dropping to 26°F overnight.
Polk County Activates Severe Temperature Plan
With temperatures plummeting, Polk County has activated its extreme temperature plan through Friday. The plan, triggered by windchill temperatures as low as 0°F, includes opening warming shelters for those in need.
Residents can use the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority for free rides to warming centers by informing drivers of their destination.
Warming Centers in the Des Moines Metro:
- Des Moines South Side Library: 1111 Porter Ave.
- Des Moines Central Community Center: 2008 Forest Ave.
- Des Moines Central Library: 1000 Grand Ave.
- Des Moines Forest Avenue Library: 1326 Forest Ave.
- Des Moines Four Mile Community Recreation Center: 3711 Easton Blvd.
- Des Moines Northwest Community Center: 5110 Franklin Ave.
- Polk County Health Department: 1907 Carpenter Ave.
For an interactive map of warming centers, visit the Polk County Warming Centers Map.
Stay Prepared
With a mix of snowfall, freezing rain, and subzero temperatures, Iowa residents should stay updated on weather conditions, prepare for travel delays, and take advantage of local resources like warming centers to stay safe during this week’s freezing forecast.
