Arctic Airmass now in place for the next several days. Several clipper systems will bring minor accumulatings snows to the area over the week.

Regional Weather View

An Arctic Airmass will remain in place over the Upper Midwest for the rest of this week. The entire region will feel the cold airmass with the exception of Kansas and parts of Missouri which will get breaks from the cold with highs in the 40s. The most extreme cold will be across the north. North Dakota, Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin will see several days in a row with highs now getting out of the mid single digits below zero with night time lows around -20.F. Now with a northwest flow over the region, several clipper systems will ride down the back side of the jet stream and will bring several changes for accumulating snows across South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Saturday the entire region will get a brief break from the cold as warmer  air is pushed into the region. It will be brief as Sunday already more cold air will be pushed back in the north then making its way south next week.

Local Weather View

Locally we can expect a cold, very active week ahead of us in terms of weather. An arctic airmass will remain parked over our area for the rest of the week, however it will moderate, and then fluctuate back to colder as the week goes by as clipper systems pass. Highs will generally range from the low single digits to the mid 10s over the next several days and lows will range from as cold as the middle single digits below zero to the lower single digits above zero. Saturday we'll get a break when highs will rise to the upper 20s to near 30. With a northwest flow in place and the back side of the jet stream overhead, this will set the stage for several clipper systems to move through our area, many of the next several days, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will feature snows, ranging from light to moderate intensity. Accumulations will range from a trace in one of the systems to a few inches, Several models agree that Wednesday has the best chance over higher accumulations. My map above is a little on the vague side for accumulations, but these will be the general accumulations from all the systems combined. I am being quite a bit on the low side compare to what some models are showing, but there seems to be significant uncertainty in any one system accept for Wednesdays.

Monday, Not as windy, Mostly Cloudy with Light snow developing, minor accumulations. Highs in the upper single digits. Monday night, Snow and flurries, otherwise cloudy skies. lows near zero.

Tuesday, Snow, some could be moderate at times. Highs in the upper single digits to lower 10s. Total accumulations 2-4" Tuesday night, Snow or flurries. Otherwise cloudy with lows in the lower single digits.

New Years Day! Cloudy with a chance of light snow. Highs in the low to mid 10s. Wednesday Night, Flurries and light snow with lows in the single digits above zero. Accumulations 2-4" over the corse of all systems. 

Thursday, Partly Sunny skies and cold with highs in the lower 10s and upper single digits. Thursday night, Clear and cold with lows in the lower to middle 10s below zero.

Friday, Sunny and chilly, Light winds with highs in the lower to mid 10s. Friday Night, Increasing clouds with lows in the lower to middle 10s.

Saturday, Much warmer, Cloudy skies with highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s. Saturday night, Cloudy, fog possible with lows in the mid 10s

Sunday, Cloudy with a chance of snow in the afternoon. Turning bluster and much colder late in the day. Highs in the mid 20s. Sunday Night, Blustery, Clear skies with lows in the 10s below zero.


Looking Ahead

The extended forecast  does not really look all that great. It shows the arctic front passing through on Sunday this week setting us up for a very cold start to the month. We could be looked at a few days of extreme cold here ourselves in Eastern Iowa, especially Tuesday the 7th. It shows the region bring pretty much dry accept for a chance of a clipper system here or there. Looking towards the 9th of January the models do try and attempt bulid a warm airmass to the west and moving into our area, which will bring warmer temperatures t seasonal normals for a span of possibly several days. Saturday the 11th the models try to develop a storm system over the region, which at this point brings some snow to Eastern Iowa as well as areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin, but the models have troubles determining if this will be significant or not. Like a classic storm very cold air follows behind this storm, with a warmer air, Seasonal temps, coming back into place by Tuesday the 14th. More on this later. 

 

December 28th warm temperatures

The past couple of days have brought warm temperatures to Iowa as the jet stream has lifted northward allowing for warm temperatures to flow into our area on strong southerly winds from the south, giving us the break from come temperatures last week. Both the past 2 days brought highs in the 40s, however today was the warmest of the 2 days as the biggest push of southwest air flowed into our area from Missouri and Kansas. Highs were in the middle to upper 40s area wide and it is the warmest it has been in weeks. Western Iowa saw highs that neared or hit 60.F including 51.F at Des Moines 55.F at Council Bluffs and 61.F at Sioux City. I was in Northwest Wisconsin for the past week for the Christmas holiday, where it was very snowy with highs only as warm as about 36.F, when I returned I did notice a large drop in the snowcover, with even grass showing again. Below is a list of high temperatures seen today.

 Williamsburg 49.F
Downtown Cedar Rapids 48.F
Kalona 47.F
 Marion 45.F
Iowa City 45.F
Hiawatha 45.F
Manchester 44.F
Waterloo 43.F
Vinton 43.F
Mechanicsville 42.F
Eastern Iowa Airport 42.F
Independence 41.F
Monticello 41.F 

December 21st-22nd Winter Storm totals. Heavy snow seen

Snowy scene December 22nd 2013

The area is shoveling out from low end winter storm which hit the region starting late last night in the form of sleet then changing for snow, which fell heavy at times. For the most part the snow started after most people fell alseep and was done by the time most people woke up. The storm blanketed the region with 4-7" of fresh snow, with the most being reported in the south. The lest amounts came from areas of the north and west towards Waterloo and Blackhawk County. However this storm produced a bit less then was forecast because severe thunderstorms that were on the Southeast side of the storm did rob some of the moisture available for the snowstorm, thus keeping totals down some. There was also sleet which occurred over our area which also kept totals down. Winds were not as much of an issues as forecasted either with gusts being reported generally around 20MPH or less and As a whole, the snowstorm side did turn out a little on the lower end then was forecasted. By the mid morning hours, most of the snow was done and travel resumed. Below is a list of reported snowfall totals across the area. Now for tonight and Monday cold air will funnel into the our area from the Northwest and highs will only be in the single digits tomorrow with wind chills around the -20.F zero mark. Expect that it will warm on the days leading to Christmas with maybe some light snow Christmas eve, then another cool down after Christmas.

 Willamsburg 8.0"
Mount Vernon 6.75"
Brighton 6.70"
2 miles WSW Iowa City 6.70"
Solon 6.50"
Atkins 6.10"
North Liberty 6.10"
Monticello 6.0"
Bertram 6.0"
Independence 6.0" 
Washington 6.0"
Anamosa 5.80"
Springville 5.70"
Swisher 5.70"
Vinton 5.50"
Marengo 5.50"
Cedar Rapids 5.50"
5 miles NW Iowa City 5.50"
Hiawatha 5.25"
Iowa City 5.0"
Jesup 5.0"
Cedar Hills 4.80"
Central City 4.50"
Waterloo 3.90"

Sigificant snowstorm arrives to Eastern Iowa late Saturday night through Sunday. 5-8" likely with white out condtions and blowing snow causing travel impacts. Arctic air arrives behind this feature with highs in the single digits.

Regional Weather view

Top story of the regional weather is a storm system that is about to move through the Upper Midwest. This will cause widespread wintery travel impacts including heavy snows in Missouri Southeastern 2/3rds of Iowa, Northwest Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.Cities such as Kansas City, KS Cedar Rapids,IA and Madison,WI will be effected. Sleet, snow and ice will impact Southeast Missouri and the rest of Illinois  including Ouincy,IL Peoria,IL and Chicago,IL. A separate storm system will spread light minor snow accumulations into South Dakota, Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin. This will be ahead of arctic front moving down behind the southern Winter Storm. This airmass will bring highs into the single digits with lows well below zero across much of the region. Expect moderating temperatures for Christmas eve/Christmas day with mostly dry weather from the Iowa Boarder South and minor snows across that line north.

Local Weather View

Impacts and accumulations: For Eastern Iowa we can expect that the full brunt of this storm will be hitting our area. A low pressure system will pass through Far Eastern Illinois, this will spread a very intense band of snow through Eastern Iowa. The snow will heavy to very heavy at times possibly reaching 2" per hour totals. Whiteout conditions will be possible at times and these conditions will move in quickly and once they start it will likely last for several hours. Widespread significant snowfall totals will be likely, but the highest amounts will set up roughly southeast of a line from La Porte City to Independence line, effecting the entire 380 corridor area.  Expect the highest totals of 6-9" seen across the Southeast including Iowa City and Mount Vernon. slightly less, but still significant amounts of 5-8" will be seen for Williamsburg and the Cedar Rapids Metro area up to Manchester. There will be very sharp cut off in snowfall totals as one heads Northwest. 2-4" are expected across the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. Travel impacts will be likely with the worst conditions being Sunday morning, with heavy snow lessening by the afternoon. After the initial heavy snow Northwest winds will Gusty winds to 35MPH will cause blowing and drifting snow the rest of the day, but due to the wetter nature of the snow it will not be significant as it could be.Expect the worst drifting to be in open rural areas/fields To make matters worse, Monday the cold air behind this storm will settle into Eastern Iowa and highs will only be in the single digits with lows around -10.F in all areas.

Tuesday through Christmas Day and next weekend:

Tuesday through Christmas we can expect much better conditions. There will be no weather delays in Eastern Iowa and we can expect dry weather with skies ranging from partly sunny to mostly sunny. Temperatures will moderate to the upper 20s on Christmas Day, but this warm up will be brief as a secondary shot of reinforcing show of arctic air will arrive for Thursday after Christmas. Some light snow or flurries action could be seen with this front but amounts will be very light and not cause issues. Highs and Lows Thursday and Friday will be back into the 10s for highs and the middle single digits below zero for lows. Saturday there could be some light snows again but amounts look again light and Sunday will be warmer, near 30 with partly sunny skies.

Saturday, Cloudy skies with snow developing late. Highs in the upper 20s. Saturday night, Snow, snow will be heavy at times. Turning increasingly windy with blowing snow possible. Winds gusting to 30MPH Lows in the low 20s. 

Sunday, Snow, Snow will be heavy at times in the morning before tapering in the afternoon. White out conditions in the morning Windy with blowing and drifting snow. Winds gusting to 35MPH at times. Storm total accumulations 5-9" across the South and Central and 2-4" across the north. Highs in the lower 20s Sunday night, Lingering light snow with slacking winds. Lows on either side of zero.

Monday, Cold! Sunny skies, Blustery northwest winds with low wind chills. Lows in the middle single digits. Monday night, Cold! Clear skies with lows in the upper single digits below zero to the lower teens below zero.

Tuesday, Sunny skies, not as windy and not as cold. Highs in the mid 10s. Tuesday Night, increasing clouds with lows in the lower 10s.

Christmas Day Much warmer, Partly Sunny skies with highs in the middle to upper 20s. Wednesday night, Cloudy skies with a chance of light flurries or snow. minor light accumulations. lows in the single digits.

Thursday, Partly Sunny with a chance of flurries, otherwise just cloudy skies. Highs in the middle 10s. Thursday night. Cloudy with lows in the middle single digits below zero.

Friday, Partly Cloudy skies, light winds with highs in the upper 10s. Friday night, lows in the single digits.

Weekend: Looks dry with cooler temperatures in the 20s on Saturday and highs right around 32 on Sunday. lows will be in the 10s.

Looking Ahead

The end of December into the 1st part of January look cold with clear skies with maybe a few clipper systems moving through Eastern Iowa with the majority of them to the north. Then towards the very end of the model run we see a storm system trying to take shape around Monday the 6th. This system looks to effect a very large portion of the midwest, but this is still a long ways out. The jet stream does try to take on a warmer look for us possible sometime after the 6th, but we will know more once the model gets past that date.      

Wednesdays High Temperatures middle 40s seen

Tree of 5 Seasons Downtown Cedar Rapids December 18th 2013

Today was a much welcomed beautiful day in Eastern Iowa, we had sunny skies and southerly winds. The southerly winds pushed warm air into our area rising temperatures ranging from the upper 30s and middle 40s. The warm moved quickly across Iowa, but then slowed down as it moved into Eastern Iowa. The front parked just northeast of a Waterloo to Cedar Rapids to Iowa City line, which is why locations northeast of this line had temperatures remain in the upper 30s. Southwest of this line, especially the Southwest part of the area had temperatures in the middle 40s. The warmest reported temperature was 46.F from Williamsburg. Even warmer temperatures were seen outside of Eastern Iowa in other parts of the state. Other temperatures include 51.F at Des Monies 56.F at Lamoni and 59.F at Shenandoah. Below is a list of local highs seen across Eastern Iowa. Warm ups like these are certainly not deemed as unusual for Iowa, as it is fairly typical for these to arise once in a while in Winter for a day or two before it cools down.


Willamsburg 46.F
Washington 45.F
Kalona 43.F
Hiawatha 43.F
Iowa City 42.F
 Waterloo-Cedar Falls 42.F
Belle Plain 42.F  Vinton 42.F
Cedar Rapids 41.F
Mount Vernon 40.F
 Independence 37.F
Monticello 37.F
Manchester 36.F

Introducing a new weather map & Warmth ahead for the middle of this week, low to middle 40s for Wednesday and Thursday. Cooler next weekend, 20s-Full forecast issued.

Regional Weather View

Across the region, a much anticipated warm up for most areas as the jet stream lifts briefly north into Minnesota. This will bring warmth northward with widespread 30s across Minnesota and 30s and 40s across Iowa with a chance of a temperature near 50. In Missouri and Kansas temperatures will warm near 50 and even 60. Thursday a low pressure system will past through Minnesota bringing a chance of a few light rain showers in Iowa with snow in the north. This same storm will also bring colder air back in for the end of the week bring 20s and 30s widespread across the southern part of the area. With the worst of the arctic air staying in Minnesota and Wisconsin where single digits highs are likely.

Local Eastern Iowa View for This week

I am introducing a new map that I made for Eastern Iowa. This new map features a close up view of the areas 3 largest Metropolitan areas in East Central Iowa that I cover as well as the surrounding communities. I feel this new map will help better define the area in which I cover. On the map now is the forecast for the upcoming week with the soon to arrive warm up thats heading our way. Monday will signify the start of the warm up with highs warming to the middle 20s. Tuesday and Wednesday is when the warmth will really start to come in as we will have sunshine with highs warming to the middle 30s on Tuesday and the lower to middle 40s for Wednesday and Thursday with the only exception being maybe still an upper 30 degree reading towards Waterloo. Areas near Iowa City and southward towards Washington and Mt. Pleasant may very well approach 50 those 2 days. Scattered light rainshowers and drizzle will spread into Eastern Iowa on Thursday as the cold front nears. There is a chance for some freezing drizzle as the rain starts, but it should not be significant Friday the cold front passes cooling temperatures back down in the 20s for highs, which is will where they will stay through next weekend.

Tuesday, Warmer, Sunny and Windy with highs in the lower to middle 30s. West winds gusting to 30MPH. Tuesday night, Clear skies with breezy west winds. Lows in the middle 10s.

Wednesday, Sunny, Pleasant, not as windy with highs ranging from the upper 30s in the north, to the lower to middle 40s in the south and central part of the area. Wednesday night, Increasing clouds, lows in the upper 20s and lower 30s.

Thursday, Cloudy with a chance of rain, possibly starting off as freezing rain or drizzle then rain. Highs in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Thursday night, Colder with NW breezes Cloudy skies with a chance of rain, possibly becoming freezing rain. Lows in the middle 20s

Friday, Colder with northwest breezes, Sunny skies. Highs in the lower to mid 20s Friday night, Clear skies with lows in the lower teens

Saturday/Sunday, Increasing clouds with a chance of snow. Highs in the lower to mid 20s. Lows ranging from the upper 10s to lower 10s

Monday, Colder and breezy. Sunny skies, highs in the lower 20s. Monday Night, Clear skies with lower in the upper single digits to lower 10s

Looking Ahead

This weekends snow chance: The models are hinting and the potienal for a weekend snowstorm this weekend December 21st and 22nd, but only 1 model shows it hitting Eastern Iowa, and at this point it shows it grazing the area with the worst effects in the Far Southeastern part of Iowa. Most of it looks to miss, however it still needs to be watched for the potential that it could track back towards our area.

Christmas Day at this point looks kinda cloudy but dry with temperatures somewhere around the mid to upper 20s. It shows several small storms missing our area to the north. Friday the 27th looks colder with a chance for some light snows with a clipper system. Saturday and Sunday the 28th-29th a brief warm up for Iowa. We may see the middle 30s especially Sunday before an arctic front pushes cold air quickly back into our area for Monday the 30th and Tuesday the 31st. Heading into the 1st day of January, the model shows a low pressure system tracking over Kentucky bring heavy snows to Eastern Iowa and significantly colder temperatures behind that. But there is still plenty of time for this to change. 

Christmas scenes around the Cedar Rapids Metro

Downtown Marion December 14th 2013

Today was a nice day to go out and about and take some photos of the areas decorations in anticipation for the Christmas season. Here in Marion, the trees are lit up at night and there is Christmas music in the park playing during the day. Today, like the past couple have days have been sunny with clouds and a few flurries at times, but highs have been much more bearable in the middle to upper 20s compared from where they were last week in the teens and single digits. Sunday will feature 1 more cold arctic day for Eastern Iowa until we get a nice break from the cold next week when we'll have several days with highs in the upper 30s and even lower 40s, Tuesday through Thursday, however it will be short lived as another arctic air mass will come down for next weekend.

Downtown Cedar Rapids December 14th 2013

 Snowcover around the area is still plentiful, as seen here in Downtown Cedar Rapids along the Cedar River, however it seems like the past few days it has been compacting and even melting slightly especially on southern/western slopes I really noticed it driving along 380 through the city. It appears as though we may add a little bit of snow tomorrow night as a clipper system slides through Eastern Iowa. Right now 0.50 maybe an inch is possible, but it surely doesn't look like much. It will be interesting to see how much of this stays on the ground next week and if we'll have a good solid white Christmas.

North Center Point Road, Hiawatha December 14th

I really like the snowflake decorations Hiawatha has put up, and the snow on the ground matches perfectly!

December 10th-11th Snowfall totals and stats for the month

Iowan Winter Day December 11th 2013

Another snowfall immersed Eastern Iowa late last night into this morning. The cause of the snow was a quick, but potent clipper style storm that slide across Southern Iowa spreading snow across much of Iowa. The highest amounts and heaviest totals were centered in Central and Eastern Iowa along Highway 30 from Ames through Marshalltown and the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Temperatures were in the upper teens and 20s at the the snow fell. Then as the storm pushed out, Northeast winds picked up to near 30MPH dragging in bitterly cold temperatures back down to the single digits, with wind chills into the teens and 20s below zero, prompting wind chills statements from the National Weather Service. Also seen this week were the coldest temperatures seen of the season so far ranging from -10.F at Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport to -13.F at Monticello. Near the bottom of this post is totals from this event plus lowest temperatures seen.

For the month here in Hiawatha, Iowa ( North Cedar Rapids Metro ) with last nights snow of 3.00" brings the monthly total to 6.75" which is only 2" from the average of 8.70" for the month. The snow on the ground currently is 4.50"

 Scotch Grove 4.50"
Anamosa 4.0"
Independence 4.0" ( -9.F )
Urbana 4.0" ( -8.F )
Olin 3.90"
Monticello 3.90" ( -13.F )
Marion 3.50" ( -2.F )
Hiawatha 3.0" ( -5.F )
Stanwood 2.80"
Cedar Hills 2.50" ( -2.F )
Cedar Rapids 2.30" ( -10.F )
Lisbon 2.50"( -6.F )
Belle Plain 1.50" ( -7.F )
Solon 1.50"
Waterloo 1.40"  ( -6.F )
North Liberty 1.30"  ( -7.F )
Tiffin 1.00"
Iowa City 0.80" ( -9.F )

December 8th-9th snowfall event

December 9th snowfall

It is now full fledged Winter here in Eastern Iowa as a new blanket of snow ranging from 4" across the central part of the area to just over a half inch over parts of the south, however, all areas now have snow cover. The recent Snowfall is thanks to a weak winter storm which produced a low that moved through Southeastern Iowa spreading widespread snowfall across much of the region. It was actually snowing across a good 200 300 miles as far north as Minneapolis,Minnesota. The highest accumulations from the storm were right here in Eastern Iowa and farther west towards Central Iowa and Des Monies. The snow fell while it was relatively calm and temperatures were in the 10s and 20s, making for a very powdery snowfall. Snow was heavy at times especially in the afternoon Sunday, Winds did pick up slightly during the snow but was not a huge issue. There were reports of quite a few accidents across the area including a major accident on interstate 90 near Williamsburg. Overall this snow should be typical for December standards, but locals are saying this winter so far odd that we have had so many sticking snowfalls this early in the season. Below is a list of snowfall reports Sunday into Monday morning.


Belle Plain 4.0"
4 miles N Marengo 4.0"
Vinton 3.80"
Hiawatha 3.75"
Atkins 3.50"
 Scotch Grove 3.50"
Cedar Hills 3.30"
Springville 3.30"
Cedar Rapids 3.0"
Marion 3.0"
Bertram 2.90"
Independence 2.50"
North Liberty 2.50"
Iowa City 2.40"
Solon 2.30"
West Branch 2.20"
Cedar Falls 2.0"
Parnell 2.0"
Waterloo 1.90"
Stanwood 1.50"
Wellman 1.50"

Sunday Snowfall Forecast for Eastern Iowa, then 2nd blast of arctic air poised to move southeastward

Regional weather view for the upcoming week.

Winter... That is one word to describe the weather for the next few days across the region. Right now the Upper Midwest is in the middle of an arctic airmass number 1. Now a new lower end strength Winter Storm will effect the Upper Midwest bringing widespread snow across a huge area. Much of the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Northwestern Illinois and Wisconsin will be effected with snow by this storm. The low will track across Southeastern Iowa and Missouri which will put the heaviest snow in a swath from North Central Iowa to Southeastern Minnesota to Northwest Wisconsin. Arctic airmass # 2 will arrive behind this for Monday bring 10s and single digits for highs as the weather calms down once again.

For Eastern Iowa we can expect snow to develop late Saturday into the day Sunday. Most of Sunday will likely feature snow showers some of which could be heavy at times, which could cause some commute issues. Temperatures will be in the 20s and winds will be fairly light which will produce a light fluffy type of snow. Accumulations will range across the area but it will be highest the farther north and west you go. Accumulations will be 2-4" over Northwest parts of our area. Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Independence and Manchester can expect to see these amounts. Vinton, Cedar Rapids-Marion, Anamonsa and Monticello will see 2-3" of snow, while the southern parts, Iowa City, Washinton and Mount Pleasant will only see around an 1" or less. There will be a fairly sharp cut off.

The snow will end Sunday night and cold air will pour into Eastern Iowa for Monday when in which we will have arctic sunshine and highs in the lower 10s to possible upper single digits across the far north for highs. Lows Monday Night will fall below zero briefly before we see an increase in temperatures to the 20s for Tuesday, with continued sunshine. Wednesday a weak, but reinforcing shot of cold air will bring lower to middle 10s back into the pictures and it will still be sunny. Its not until Thursday through next weekend that we see a warm up with temperatures rising to the upper 20s and lower 30s, which it more typical for December.

Sunday, Snow, come could be heavy at times. Highs in the lower 20s. Sunday night, Snow in the evening before ending. Total accumulations 2-4" across the North and Central areas. 1" or less for the Southern areas. Lows in the upper single digits.

Monday, Cold! Arctic sunshine with cold wind chills. Highs in the lower 10s to upper single digits. Monday Night, Clear skies, cold with lows in the lower single digits below zero then remaining steady.

Tuesday, Warmer, Sunny skies with highs in the lower 20s. Tuesday night, Mostly Cloudy, flurries possible. Lows in the lower single digits.

Wednesday, Cold with cold wind chills. Highs in the lower to mid 10s. Wednesday night, Cold with lows in the lower single digits.

Thursday-through next Saturday. Warmer, Partly Cloudy with increasing clouds Southerly breezes with temperatures rising to the upper 20s to middle 30s Friday being the warmest day. Lows in the 20s each night.

Looking ahead

Sunday will be colder with temperatures cooling back into the 10s for highs as another show of arctic air. This will bring about dry weather as well. However this airmass is short lived as the forecast models have been persistent at a fairly significant warm up arriving in Mid December around the 15th, however it is still early to decide how significant, but it does show temperatures could rise into the 40s, and possible near 50? for a few days as we approach the 17th of December. A cold front pushes through around the 21st of December bring briefly cooler conditions, however then a another storm system coming front the south brings rains for December 22nd, some of which could be heavy, behind this feature colder air would follow. Overall the 2nd part of December could be warmer then the 1st part has been.

Yesterdays warm temperature report/Wind and colder temperatures today

Garden on a mild foggy December 5th Day

The past week day or so has been very changeable in terms of weather here in Eastern Iowa. We went from mile temperatures in the 40s and 50s which peaked Wednesday to highs as warm as the middle 50s in the far south to the middle 40s north. Highs dropped to the 20s for today. All of this was thanks to a huge snowstorm hitting up to our north in Minnesota and my hometown area of Northwest Wisconsin. This huge storm which dumped 2 1/2 feet of snow on parts of Far Northern Minnesota near Duluth was responsible for the very mild temperatures we seen yesterday. The cause of it was as the low slowly moved northeastward through Southern Minnesota, the southerly winds on the south side of the storm pumped very mild air in from the south, but due to a frozen ground from past snowcover, very dense fog rolled in and remained in place for 1 full day and 2 mornings. It warmed up for so long I was even able to get some quick last minute plantings into the ground and I did not encounter any frozen soil at all, which makes December 3rd the latest ever I was able to garden. However late Wednesday after temperatures peaked, the cold front blew through and temperatures dropped 10 degrees in an hour. and by Wednesday morning they were in the 10s, with Northwest winds gusting between 35 and 40MPH Below is a list of highs seen yesterday/compared to today along with highest winds gusts. We seen no snowfall or only flurries with only a few hundredths of an inch of rainfall with this storm.

Hiawatha 49.F/23.F 36MPH
Cedar Rapids, Eastern Iowa Airport 49.F/23.F 36MPH
Vinton 49.F/23.F 35MPH
Waterloo 45.F/22.F 30MPH
Independence 45.F/25.F 31MPH
Monticello 50.F/25.F 31MPH
Iowa City 53.F/23.F 32MPH
Washington 54.F/23.F 33MPH

Todays Snowfall Reports 1-2" snowfall amount seen. White Thanksgiving likely

Snowfall earlier this morning Hiawatha,Iowa

It's starting to look a lot like Winter across Eastern Iowa, as a small but potent weather system left a blanket of 1-3" of new snow across the area. The cause of the snow was a system on the heels of an arctic cold front which is about to move into Iowa. Snow started late last night around 3, 4am and continued through the mid morning hours. The bands were heavy at times before they ended. Temperatures did slowly warm to the lower 30s, but the snowfall is here today at least through Thanksgiving because the ground is now frozen and we are not expecting temperatures above 32 until the end of the week. The highest snowfall reports came from the Northern parts of the area, where 2" were seen. North of the area as much as 5.00" were seen near Olwien


Central City 1.90"
Hiawatha 1.75"
Marion 2.00"
Olin 2.00"
5 miles NW Iowa City 1.0"
Northwest Cedar Rapids 1.90"
Anamosa 2.00"
Vinton 1.00"
Coggon 1.00"

Snow likely tonight into Monday. a couple inches possible, then 2nd arctic blast ahead Tuesday & Wed. Thanksgiving looks sunny & Chilly with good travel condtions.

Weather Map for Monday November 25th.

Across the Midwest we have a Wintery-like pattern appearing with our 2nd arctic blast of the season already coming into play. A weak-fast area of low pressure will quickly slide across Iowa producing a quick band of snow which will drop a couple of inches, especially over Eastern Iowa, northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. All of this will be ahead of the next arctic blast making its way down from Canada. Highs that will be in the 30s on Monday will only be in the lower 20s again come Tuesday and Wednesday. Travel will be very easy Thanksgiving as high pressure will bring the region quiet cool and sunny weather with slowly rebounding temperatures. 

Local Eastern Iowa:

Tonight and Mondays snow
For The Eastern Iowa area the cause of tonight/tomorrows snow will be caused be a warm front. We can expect light snow to begin moving in late tonight around 12am or after. Snow will continue through the 1st part of Monday and could be heavy at times before quickly coming to an end around 11am or after. Southwest winds will gust to 30MPH at times Monday which even though highs will be in the middle 30s, will make it feel colder and could blow around some of the newly fallen snow. Snowfall accumulations are still somewhat uncertain due to not knowing where the exact placement of the band will be, however it appears as of right now most of the area will be in the 2"category, and it appears some spots will have the opportunity to see 3 possibly 4" The best area for this will be the Northeastern part closer to Monticello and Manchester. The Waterloo and Cedar Rapids metro areas will be probably see between 1-3" With Iowa City area seeing a half inch or less. Again this depends on the placement of the band, if it occurs farther north, like some models are showing, most areas will only see a half inch with higher amounts outside of our area. The ground is frozen enough that whatever snow falls will stick likely through Thanksgiving.

Tuesday and Wednesdays cold
 Tuesday and Wednesday the full brunt of the next shot of cold air will arrive. Tuesday will have blustery Northwest winds and low wind chills. Wednesday will be sunny with less winds, but both days will have highs in the middle to upper 20s with lows both nights in the lower 10s.

Thanksgiving Day-next weekend
Thanksgiving will bring lights winds with pleasantly moderating temperatures into the lower 30s. Expect easy travel conditions across the region as high pressure has a cold of our weather bring clear conditions for all areas. Lows will be in the upper 10s Next Weekend at 1st will  bring warmer temperatures in the middle to upper 30s Friday and Saturday with lows in the 20s, it will be pleasant, but winds will probably be breezy from the south. Sunday a fast moving cold front will push through dropping high temperatures back into the 20s and lows in the 10s. The front appears to go through dry.

Tonight: Snow developing, possibly moderate or heavy at times. Breezy South winds with lows in the upper 10s.

Monday, Snow in the morning, possibly moderate or heavy at times before ending. Total snowfall accumulations 1 to as much as 4" localized areas. Windy, southwest winds to 30MPH causing some blowing snow. Highs in the lower 30s with colder wind chills in the 20s. Monday night, Clear and chilly with lows in the upper 10s

Tuesday-Wednesday, Sunny and cold with blustery NW winds. Highs in the middle 20s. Wednesday not as blustery, Night time lows cold in the lower to mid 10s.

Thanksgiving Day, Sunny and nice! Light winds with highs in the lower 30s. Thursday night, Clear skies with lows in the upper 10s.

Friday-Saturday, Sunny skies with increasing S winds. Warmer with highs in the middle to upper 30s. Lows in the mid 20s

Sunday, Cloudy and colder with blustery NW winds. Highs in the upper 20s. Sunday Night, clearing skies with lows in the mid 10s.

Farther ahead Forecast

Into the 1st part of December, Monday and Tuesday will bring slightly warmer temperatures with chances for clouds coming into the picture, highs in the 30s appear likely. Tuesday the 4th a fast moving clipper system & arctic cold front may brush our area with snow and produce minor accumulations with gusty winds, which could cause a little bit of an issue it at comes true. Most snow appears to fall north of our area. Very cold temperatures with strong NW winds will be in place for Thursday the 5th. Friday the 6th another storm system right on the heels of Wednesdays one will produce another shot of snow, this time more north into Minnesota and Wisconsin. For us it will only bring briefly warmer temperatures Friday before the next cold front plows through. A Winter Storm worth watching then develops on Saturday the 7th which tracks from Arkansas to Ohio bring heavy snows and winds to our south, however it does brush Eastern Iowa and if it tracks more north we could be more effected, This one is worth watching. Very cold temperatures of course follow this winter storm and will be in place for the 1st part of the week of the 9th. Towards the middle of December the models do try to hint at the possibilities of a warm up for our area. December will be active.

November 11th snowfall totals, coldest airmas of the season-Arctic Airmass produced the areas 1st teens and single digit lows.

Snowfall at the Culver's Display Garden Marion,IA

An arctic airmass slammed into the region yesterday bring moderate heavy snow, strong northerly winds and dropping temperatures through the day on Monday. Monday morning started out mild and in the lower 40s. The cold front pushed through the the early afternoon hours and by 12pm Heavy Snow bands were moving through the area and temperatures fell into the lower 30s and upper 20s. A quick 0.60 to 1.00" of snow fell in a small but intense band of snow that moved from Minnesota through the state of Iowa. Skies cleared Tuesday night as the coldest night of the season so far was upon us. Lows fell into the into the lower teens and upper single digits, which allowed most of the snow that accumulated Monday to remain on the ground through the night adding to the Winter-Like feel., and now small ponds now have ice on them. This weather reminds me of my Northwest Wisconsin hometown. Below is a list of snowfall reports and lows seen.

Hiawatha, 0.75" 13.F
Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport, 0.70"  12.F
Solon 1.20" 12.F
Willamsburg 0.60" 12.F
Waterloo-Cedar Falls 0.60" 8.F
Independence 10.F
Iowa City 0.50" 16.F
Monticello 14.F 0.75"
Vinton 12.F 0.75"

November 5th/6th Sigificant Rainfall Ammounts & Gusty Winds

Yard November 5th 2013

Moderate to significant rainfall amounts were seen across Eastern Iowa this week all thanks to a vigorous low pressure system that moved through on Tuesday and Wednesday. The low tracked from Nebraska northwest of Des Monies then into Minnesota, this lead to mild southern air the be forced northward Tuesday. Temperatures actually rose through the day and into the night time hours, peaking around 1am with highs in the upper 50s to near 60. Waves of steady to moderate rain moved northeast through the area. Most places reported at least 0.30" of rain with the highest amounts seen in the central and northwest parts of the area, where some spots reported well over 1.00" amounts. For most communities this was the highest rainfall amounts since Mid Summer. Farther north on the storms northwest side, temperatures were much colder and snow fell, in some cases significant amounts up to 10" in parts of Southwest Minnesota. Snowfall was reported as far south as Northwest parts of Iowa near Estherville and Mars City areas 1-3" snowfall amounts were seen there. Here in Eastern Iowa, it was far to warm for snow during the time the precipitation was falling so it was all rain. It should also be noted that as the low strengthen and spun up stronger, southeasterly winds became quite gusty across our area peaking around 8pm Tuesday Evening. Sustained winds were in the 20MPH range with gusts up to 30MPH. Wind and rainfall amounts can be found below.

Independence 1.62" 28MPH
Waterloo-Cedar Falls 1.21" 28MPH
Easter Iowa Airport-Cedar Rapids 0.72" 29MPH
 Hiawatha-My Station 0.64"
Iowa City 0.47" 28MPH
Vinton 0.61" 31MPH
Washington 0.41" 28MPH
Monticello 0.31" 30MPH

October 30th-31st Rainfall amounts.

A storm system moved across Iowa over the past 2 days spreading widespread rain and even thunderstorms to the area. The center of low pressure past over Northern Iowa which brought a warm front surging northward through the day Wednesday October 30th. Warm temperatures in the upper 50s and lower 60s and high dewpoints in the 50s brought steady rain which was proceeded by lightning and thunder. The highest temperatures were seen around 12am when warmth was continuing to be pushed into our area. The rain shield from the storm spread all across Eastern Iowa, but the heaviest amounts were seen in Southeastern Iowa, where well over 1.50" even over 3" amounts were seen across the far south part of the area. Across Central and Northern areas, amounts were closer to 0.50 or 0.25 or less. Areas that say the highest amounts were south of I-80. Below is a list of rainfall amounts.


 Washington 3.17"
Iowa City 0.98"
Waterloo-Cedar Falls 0.62"
Cedar Rapids-Eastern Iowa Airport 0.51"
Hiawatha-My Station 0.46"
Vinton 0.41"
Monticello 0.32"

Fall Color Report- all areas peaking or at high color, however, fall color likely to be on the dull side for the area.

Regional Fall Color Report

Fall color across the region is peaking across Northern Iowa, Wisconsin and South Dakota. The South 1/3rd of Iowa is at high color as well as Illinois, Nebraska and Northern Missouri. Areas in Kansas and the rest of Missouri are only at moderate color at this time. Areas North and West of Minneapolis,MN to Eau Claire,WI have past peak and most trees are now bare.

Fall color in Hiawatha,IA

Fall color in most of Eastern Iowa is at peak or is near peak. Areas North of Cedar Rapids around the Highway 20 corridor around Waterloo-Cedar Falls to Independence is reporting peak color, and all other areas such as Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Williamsburg are reporting high color. Most trees turning, Early trees are passing peak and mid-turning trees are in full color including Silver Maples & Sugar Maples, Ash, Hazelnuts, Hackberry. Late turning trees such as Oaks, Cottonwoods and Aspens are only starting to turn. When I look as the canopy of most woodlands there is still a fair amount of green in many areas, and even colored trees appear to be fairly dull. It is likely that the drought we had in August into September has put a bit of a damper on fall color across the area, however in some areas colors are bright and beautiful especially among Autumn Blaze Maples in new subdivisions in small towns and suburbs in Eastern Iowas Large Cities.

Fall Color Downtown Cedar Rapids

Fall color in Maples are bright and grasses have turned allowing for some addition the the fall color. Honey Locust Trees are turning yellow as well. In the Cedar Rapids area I've noticed the color appears the most beautiful in suburbs such as Robins, Marion and Hiawatha where Autumn Blaze Maples are highly planted, Northwest of Cedar Rapids towards Palo looking southeast at the Cedar River Valley, and the Mound View Area along the northern Cedar River Bluffs area of Cedar Rapids

This Silver Maple Maple in our yard has a bright yellow fall color.

Iowa City High Color
Cedar Rapids Metro High Color
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Peak Color
Monticello Peak Color
Williamsburg High Color
Independence Peak Color
Vinton High Color   
  

Areas 1st snow and frost report. Enitre are saw a growing season ending hard freeze, Low 20s reported

Snow accumulation Tuesday October 22nd

A couple new occurrences happened this week in terms of weather. While I was up nothing for my weekend, the areas 1st snow of the season occurred on Tuesday October 22nd from a band of light snow showers which spread across the central part of the state. Amounts were only around a trace to a quarter inch. This is earlier then snow would normally occur in Eastern Iowa as the average snow for October is 0.00"

Another occurrence in which happened this week was some areas 1st frost and freeze, these were mainly just areas which missed out on frosts earlier in the month. All areas reported a hard freeze when lows behind a cold front and the system the brought the snow dropped into the low to middle 20s during the coldest night which happened on Friday the 25th.  Even here in the city the frost was widespread and it ended the growing season. The low was 28.F here in Hiawatha. Outlying areas has lows in the lower to mid 20s.

 Eastern Iowa Airport 22.F
Waterloo 22.F
Iowa City 23.F
Mount Vernon 23.F
Vinton 25.F
Monticello 25.F
Central City 25.F
Washington 24.F
Hiawatha 28.F

Fall arriving with force. Chilly air to settle into the area with highs in the 40s and our 1st freeze likely by Monday. Snow flurries are even a possibility on Tuesday!

Regional Weather View.

Cool air has been making is way into the Upper Midwest lately and this will be the case coming into next week. This weekend a weak area of low pressure will be moving across Southern Minnesota which will spread rain and snow across that area. There is even a chance for a few inches of snow accumulation across Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. As the low pressure system passes, there will be a brief push of warmer air across Iowa points south and highs will be in the 60s and 70s for one day ( Sunday ) However come Monday everyone will be on the cold side of the storm. Above the / represents highs Sunday compared to highs Monday.

Across Eastern Iowa Saturday will be cloudy and cool again, much like Friday was. Highs will be in the 50s and there will be breezy southeasterly winds. Saturday Night, skies will be partly cloudy and lows will drop into the low to middle 30s. Sunday we will be on the warm side of the system, and a brief push of warm air will be pushed into our area and highs will make it into the 60s before the storms cold front pushed through in the afternoon Sunday Night, there is a chance of light showers as the front pushes through otherwise it will be cloudy with lows in the upper 30s. Monday will be cold and blustery with highs only in the middle 40s. There will be a cold wind and skies will be mostly cloudy. Monday Night, skies will clear leading the our areas 1st official freeze. Not even city protected areas will be safe as temperatures will fall into the upper 20s to lower 30s so be sure to bring in houseplants for the season and cover and wanted annuals. Tuesday will be cloudy, cold and blustery there will be some wrap around showers on the back side of the low, temperatures could be cold enough that some snowflakes could mix in. Which would be Eastern Iowas 1st snow of the season. Expect lows to once again to be in the upper 20s to lower 30s Tuesday Night. Wednesday through Friday will feature clearing skies with temperatures being slow to rebound to near 50 by next Friday, with lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

Saturday, Cloudy & Chilly with strong southeast winds, slight chance for drizzle or sprinkles. Highs in the lower 50s Saturday Night, Clearing skies, lows in the low to middle 30s.

Sunday, Partly Sunny, gusty south winds with highs in the lower 60s. Sunday night, Cloudy skies with a chance for a few showers. Lows in the upper 30s.

Monday, Partly Sunny & Cold with blustery northwest winds. Highs in the middle to upper 40s. Monday Night, Clearing skies, Cold. Frost and freeze likely. Lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

Tuesday, Cloudy and Cold, Blustery North winds. A chance for a shower possibly mixing with flurries. Highs in the low to mid 40s. Tuesday Night, Cloudy skies with lows in the lower 30s.

Wednesday, Clearing skies and not as breezy. Highs in the upper 40s Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy with lows in the lower 30s.

Thursday-Saturday, Partly Cloudy skies with highs rebounding to the upper 40s to lower 50s. Nighttime lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

Looking Ahead

The ahead forecast actually continues to look active. By next weekend we will be dealing with a fairly big weather producer rain showers spread across Iowa with snow in Minnesota where accumulations are possible, we could even end up with some flurries in our area. Monday through Tuesday look to be cold but dry as temperatures rebound slowly towards Halloween. Halloween at this point looks dry with seasonal temperatures. The model does show another storm system spreading heavy rains into Iowa in the early part of November.

Eastern Iowa Fall Color Photos!

Fall Color Hiawatha,Iowa

Fall colors are really starting to increase with the cooler weather we have had this week. Early and Late turning trees are peaking in color and many areas have reached moderate color status. Sugar Maples & Ashes are bright and beautiful shades of orange, purple and yellow, Red Maples are red and orange and Hackberry trees are turning light yellow. Evenwhere you go at least some sort of color can be seen. Late turning trees like Aspen, Silver Maples and Oaks are mostly still green, however some are starting to show signs of turning.

Fall color along Iowa Mississippi River Bluffs Sabula, Iowa

I took a visit of the Mississippi River Bluffs area and fall color is abundant and starting to get bright.  I feel that over the next week or two, we will be at near peak color.

Fall Color along Mississippi River Bluff Sabula Iowa

Ashes can be seen here turning yellow and Maples orange.

Sugar Maples turning orange & yellow turning along Illinois Woodland

Sugar Maples are famous for their orange-yellow color some of which can be seen here. 

October 13th-14th Cooler Temperature Report Widespread Frost reported outlying areas

 Crisp Fall evening October 13th 2013 Hiawatha,Iowa

The areas 1st frost of the season was reported in a 2 consecutive nights this past week as temperatures dipped into the middle to lower 30s with some areas getting a killing frost. The 1st night with frost went virtually un warned by local weather outlets. A cool crisp high pressure system that settled in behind a cold front that past through over the weekend is the cause of the frost. The frost is general was said to be quite heavy in outlying areas and countrysides where temperatures as cool as the lower 30s were reported. However large metropolitan areas away from airport readings did not see frost and temperatures remained in the upper 30s. Inner city areas around Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City where there are large concentrations of buildings and pavement prevented frost from forming. Here in Hiawatha, I had a low of 38.F both Sunday morning and Monday morning. I did not have frost in the lawn and no plants were effected.

Coldest Morning Lows October 13th-14th

 Monticello 30.F
Waterloo Airport 32.F
Williamsburg 33.F
Robins 34.F
Coralville 34.F
Iowa City Airport 36.F
 Independence 36.F 
South Waterloo 36.F
Marion 36.F
Eastern Iowa Airport 37.F
Central City 37.F
 Hiawatha 38.F 
Downtown Cedar Rapids 40.F 

Fall Color Report # 3 color is increasing but still consider low for all areas.

Regional Color Map

The fall color map this week shows an expansion of color across Central Minnesota and Wisconsin. Low color is still all that is being found across Southern Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas South Dakota and Nebraska. Moderate color is expected to soon expand across Southern Minnesota, Northern Iowa and Southern Wisconsin in the upcoming weeks.

Fall colors in Eastern Iowa.

Here in Eastern Iowa fall color is continuing to increase. Most areas are still on the low end of the fall color spectrum but are beginning to approach moderate color. Ash trees are at peak and are in colors in yellow and purple. Maples both Red and Sugar Maples are turning orange and red. Burning bushes are turning fire red and Amur maples are turning as well. In areas where there are earlier turning trees concentrated in one area color is good, however when looking at the canopy as whole most of the canopy is still green and the colors that are there are not yet bright. Mid to late turning trees like Oaks, Aspens and Silver Maples are still green as well.

Area fall color report

Cedar Rapids Metro Low Color
Iowa City Low Color
Waterloo Low Color
Anamosa Low Color
Independence Low Color 
   

Fall Color Report #2- Low color all areas

Regional fall color report

Color is increasing across Minnesota and Wisconsin where some areas are reporting Moderate color. Further north, peak color is being observed across Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Fall color among Green Ash Species October 6th 2013

Here in Eastern Iowa, most areas are still reporting low color, however fall colors have been increasing quite a bit across the area. Ash trees are still taking the main show, but most are quite beautiful at this time with Green Ash turning beautiful gold-yellow color, White ashes are purple. Maples, both sugar and red as well as autumn blaze species are just starting to turn red and orange. These are all mostly Early changing trees. Late changing trees such as oaks, aspens, cherries, birches are still green. I suspect that fall colors will really start to increase this next week.

Fall Color Reports

Waterloo/Cedar Falls Low Color
Cedar Rapids Low Color
Iowa City Low Color
Anamosa Low Color
Manchester Low Color    

October 4th severe thunderstorm report. Strong winds & Golf ball sized hail reported.

Storm front from early morning storms Friday October 4th

A very strong fall storm system lead to the development of a very late severe weather outbreak across Iowa. A late warm, humid airmass with temperatures in the 80s and dewpoints in the 70s was the fuel for these severe storms. From the storms, several tornadoes were reported in far Northwest Iowa where the worst of the severe weather was seen. Here in Eastern Iowa we dealt with several rounds of storms all of which hit during the morning hours Friday. The first wave 1st developed west of Des Monies and produced significant damage in that area. It pushed across the state following I-80 and weakened to below severe levels by the time it reached Eastern Iowa around 2-3am, still strong winds around 40-50MPH were reported, but no damage was reported. The 2nd wave of storms developed Southeast of Des Monies and these storms were more along the pulse-like nature. These storms moved northeast into Iowa County and pulsed to severe limits in that area and produced golf ball sized hail in the Amana area. This storm moved northeast towards the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area and did cause a scare for the Southeast Cedar Rapids and Marion, but luckily the storm weakened before reaching the metro. This storm was the last one of severe levels to effect Eastern Iowa. Rainfall amounts across the area ranged from 0.08" in Waterloo to 0.79" here in Hiawatha and even 2" plus in the Center Point-Central City area.

Interesting Note- lightning seen over 100 miles from storms in Northeast Iowa:

Late evening around 10pm, there was several reports of lightning flashes as far south as Cedar Rapids and Washington, I myself witnessed the lightning and it was not your typical thunderhead lightning that you can see for 100s of miles from some storms, it was true lightning flashes in the clouds and it was intense and constant. Several residents reported that it was more intense then normal and very strange. All this lightning was centered in storms from storms 118 miles from Cedar Rapids in Northeast Iowa in the Cresco-Decorah areas.

Storm Reports from Eastern Iowa

2 miles W of Amana 1.75" golf ball sized hail

Fridays severe weather risk.

The SPC has issued a Moderate Risk For severe thunderstorms for Northern into Central Iowa with a Slight Risk for the majority of Iowa on Friday. The risk area includes Waterloo, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City as well as surrounding communities. The moderate risk area is showing a heightened risk for Northern & Central Iowa. everyone Northwest of a line from the Davenport Metropolitan area to Centerville,Iowa is with in the risk area. Strong thunderstorms will form along a strong fall cold front in Centeral and Northwestern Iowa in the early afternoon Friday and move east. Arriving here in Eastern Iowa during the evening hours. The biggest threat will be large hail and damaging winds for our area here in the east. But the risk for tornadoes is certainly there especially where storms 1st develop which seems to especially be near the Waterloo-Marshalltown area north and westward where the moderate risk area is located.

By sure to see your favorite internet weather source for more information

SPC outlook links can be found HERE

Unusually Warm Summer-Like October warmth next few days, Then a strong fall storm system will bring storms and severe weather threat for Friday followed by very cool Fall-like temperatures for the weekend patchy frost north?

Regional Forecast Map.

A warm summer-like airmass has overtaken much of the Upper Midwest and this will continue for the next few days. However a strong fall storm system will split the region in half keeping the summer-like warmth to the south and keeping cool-rainy conditions to the north. The two airmass colliding will cause the threat for a severe weather outbreak across parts of Nebraska, Southeastern Minnesota, Northern Missourri, Wisconsin and Northwest Illinois on Friday as the cold front pushes through. Heavy Rain appears likely along and north of the warm front across Southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The storm system will have quite a punch to it un-like other storms we've had and other weather outlooks are saying the severe weather threat may be quite a bit higher then we've seen in awhile. Saturday after the passing of the cold front significantly cooler temperatures will be felt across the entire Upper Midwest.

For the local area expect that we will have one more sunny, dry day Wednesday with sunny skies and highs in the middle 80s and lows in the lower 60s which is some 10-15 degrees warmer then where we should be. Temperatures will be near 80 both Thursday through Friday but rain chances will increase. Thursday the chance for isolated thunderstorms will begin to increase as a warm front lingers near the area and these storms could develop at any time during the day Thursday. Friday will bring the best chance for rain along with the threat for severe thunderstorms developing. It appears that the afternoon and evening a ling of strong to severe thunderstorms will push in from the west. Strong winds and heavy downpours will be the main threats, however there will be other threats as well. Saturday will only have a chance of morning thunderstorms with the afternoon being significantly colder with strong northerly winds. Highs will only be in the upper 50s to lower 60s after being near 80 most of this week. Clearing skies Saturday and Sunday nights could allow for temperatures to fall into the upper 30s, the 1st for most of the area especially North towards the Waterloo area. I will have updates on this frost chance as it approaches. Monday through Tuesday looks beautiful with cool temperatures in the middle 60s and lows in the lower to middle 40s.

Wednesday, Sunny skies and warm, breezy south winds to 25MPH Highs in the lower to mid 80s. Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy with lows in the middle 60s.

Thursday, warm and humid, A chance of showers and thunderstorms developing during the day. Breezy south winds with highs in the low 80s. Thursday Night, Partly Cloudy with a lingering shower or thunderstorm, lows in the middle 60s

Friday, Warm and humid with breezy south winds. Showers and thunderstorms moving in during the afternoon and evening. Some could be severe. Highs in the lower 80s. Friday Night, Showers and thunderstorms, some could be severe. Lows in the upper 50s.

Saturday, Clearing skies, Much cooler, Cool with strong northwest winds to 25MPH. Highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Saturday Night, Clear skies, lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s.

Sunday, Sunny skies and pleasant. Light winds with highs in the middle 60s. Sunday Night, Clear skies, patchy frost possible north areas. Lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s.

Monday through Wednesday, Sunny skies and warming temperatures. Highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Lows in the upper 40s to low 50s.

Looking Ahead

We may be able to pull off one more nice day on Thursday before the next storm system arrives for next weekend. Another strong fall storm system brings a cold rain spreading through the Midwest bringing steady rain chances both Friday and Saturday the 11th and 12th. This will be leaving a cool fall like start to the week of Monday the 14th. This will bring another chance of frost which appears to be a much better chance this this weekends. It remains cool and sunny through the 17th of October.

Fall Color Report 2013 # 1

Regional Fall Color Report

Fall colors are beginning to appear across the area and it is now time to begin annual fall color reports. Being from Northwestern Wisconsin it is a new experience to me that I have not had to start yet since when I lived there it was near the 1st of September that I would start that rather then the 1st of October. Across the region, low color is being observed across a large portion of the area including most of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Northern parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin are already reporting moderate areas of color.

Fall color starting to show on Green Ash September 28th Hiawatha,IA

This summer most of Iowa saw 100 degree temperatures along with drought that developed. It will be interesting to see how the fall color season progresses, rains over the past week may have very well could have saved our season. Currently Here in Eastern Iowa fall color literally starting popping over the past 5 days or so. All areas are reporting low color, and many State DNR sites and locals say this is slightly earlier then normal and could possibly be from drought stress. Trees that are showing color are strictly among earlier changing species including most Ash trees are turning, Sumac and Prairie Dogwoods. A few Red and Sugar Maples are showing some color, but most remain green. We certainly have a long ways to go in our fall color season , however we have gotten a good start so far.

Local Fall Color Reports

Waterloo Low Color
Iowa City Low Color
Cedar Rapids Low Color
Marengo Low Color
Anamosa Low Color
Independence Low Color   

Dry for the rest of the week, warming up to the 80s. Next chance of rain Saturday/Sunday with a strong cold front.

Weather Map

A high pressure system that has been taking its time crossing the country has been responsible for the beautiful weather we have been receiving lately and it will continue to provide 3 more beautiful days that have been much like the past 5 accept that it will be warming up quite a bit to the lower to mid 80s for highs and 60s for lows with dewpoints increasing through Friday. All this will come ahead of a cold front set to arrive to Iowa on Saturday when a strong fall cold front will produce rain which should push across the state giving everyone a chance of storms. For Eastern Iowa, Saturday night into Sunday is the best chance for rain, we have one shot to see thunderstorms, some of which could be strong. Then after the cold fronts passage it will bring the return of dry and cooler weather for the rest of the weekend into next week. Highs will cool to the lower to middle 70s and lows will cool into the 40s and 50s.

Wednesday, Sunny skies with light winds. Highs in the upper 70s. Wednesday Night,  Clear skies, lows in the mid 50s.

Thursday, Sunny skies, light southerly breezes with highs in the low 80s. Thursday night, Clear skies Clear skies with lows in the upper 50s

Friday, Sunny and warm with a touch of humidity. Highs in the low to mid 80s with southerly breezes. Friday Night, Clear Skies and humid. Lows in the low to mid 60s.

Saturday, Sunny skies and humid with southerly breezes. Showers and Thunderstorms moving in late. Highs in the lower 80s. Saturday Night, Showers and Thunderstorms moving through, some could be strong. Lows in the mid 50s.

Sunday, Clearing skies with northerly breezes. Highs in the low to mid 70s. Sunday Night, Clear skies with lows in the upper 40s.

Monday through Wednesday, Sunny skies each day with light breezes. highs in the mid to upper 70s each day with lows in the low to mid 50s each night.

Ahead

During the end of next week a cold front does bring the chance of showers come Friday the 4th of October. The system is a quick moving one as sunny skies and cool fall-like temperatures arrive for the weekend of the 5th. Monday October 7th a strong warm front pushes through the state bring very warm temperatures for October standards. A fast approaching very strong cold front around Tuesday the 8th could cause our next good chance of thunderstorms, which would have to be watched for severe potienal. Wednesday the 9th looks significantly colder with the Northern Areas having their 1st chance of patchy frost possibilities. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions return for the middle of the month.

Severe Storms Rake Eastern Iowa with numerous reports of tree damage throughout many communities as well as structural damage in the North Liberty Area

Front edge of a roll cloud/shelf cloud in front of a severe thunderstorm September 19th Hiawatha,Iowa

A hot muggy day with record breaking high temperatures in the lower to middle 90s made fuel for severe thunderstorms as a strong fall cold front sliced into this hot humid airmass. During the afternoon hours an outflow boundary was enough to already enough to spark the areas 1st round of severe storms around 1-3pm, wind damage was reported in Anamosa an Scotch Grove. Later in the afternoon the main show was moving in as the strong cold front sparked thunderstorms over Central Iowa near Des Monies where numerous reports of significant tree damage was reported across the Northwest side of the Des Monies metro. This line of storms turned into a long-range bow echo as it raced down the I-80 corridor towards Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and surrounding towns. 50 to 60MPH, tree damage and power lines down were reported in several communities including both in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City metros. The worst damage report I've come across so far is out of North Liberty where one home at a garage roof torn off, windows broken and a flag pole snapped and blown over a house into the back yard. On the upside there was beneficial rains reported with widespread rainfall of at least 0.50" reported, and amounts as high as 1-3" over the last 24 hour period.


Video of the storm from Hiawatha,Iowa

At my location there the strongest winds was in two parts of the storm, the 1st initial blow as the roll cloud went over then even strong gusty winds as the heaviest rain moved in. It almost appeared to have a wet microburst look to it as heavy rain was blowing of roofs. Numerous large branches at least 5 inches in diameter broke off trees just down the street from where I live. I estimated the wind gusts at 50 to 60MPH. 0.81" of rain fell at my location.

Damage Reports

Belle Plain, Large tree down blocking road
Newhall,   60MPH wind gust
Vinton, 63MPH wind gust
Shellsburg, 5-6" diameter branch down
Hiawatha, estimated 50-60MPH winds 5" diameter branch down
SW Cedar Rapids, estimated 60MPH winds
Iowa City, Tree down, powerlines down
North Liberty, Garage roof blown off, Windows broke, Flag pole snapped and thrown over house
Anamosa, Section of a tree snapped off and fell onto a car
Scotch Grove, Section of tree snapped
Olin,1.00" hail
Tipton, Cattle shed blown down 8-12" branch broken