Relocation to Des Moines,Iowa

Relocation to Des Moines

It has finally come time to let everyone know of the changes I mentioned last week, changes which will come as a surprise to many. I am very excited to announce that I have relocated to Des Moines, Iowa. I want to say I really enjoyed my time in the Cedar Rapids area and Eastern Iowa, and the reason for the move is that I am moving to peruse a new job opportunity which was offered to me there. I will be living in the City of Des Moines proper about 3 miles east of Downtown, just east of the capital building. The move its self has already taken place and there will be a change to the area I cover. I will immediately switch my blog over to Central & Southern Iowa effective immediately and changes are already seen. Below is my introductionary post to Des Moines- Central and Southern Iowa.

Downtown Des Moines February 23rd 2014

Welcome to the Des Moines Metropolitan Area!  I have spent the last few months preparing for and making the move from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines. What brought this move was a new job at a garden center with in the metro where I will be working retail and customer service. This move was more calculated and not as fast as my last move was. I have actually always wanted to live in Des Moines and looked at it as a place I wanted to live when I was going to college.

Introduction to Des Moines: Des Moines is in the southern 1/3rd of Iowa on interstates 35 and 80, about 254 miles South of Minneapolis,MN and about 164 miles North of Kansas City,MO It is the capital city of Iowa and its Iowas largest city. Des Moines proper has a population of 203,000, with a metro residential population of about 480,000  Des Moines is one the fastest growing metropolitan area in Iowa and is home to the tallest building in the state.

I am looking foreword to my new adventure in Central and Southern Iowa! My blog will be focused on covering weather events as well as some forecasting as well. As the name implies there will be lots of gardening information, and photos documenting seasonal changes posted as well along with photos of the city an landscaping. My blog will focus on a very localized area which will over coverages to some of Iowas largest cities and smallest towns in South Central Iowa, which is what makes my blog stand out. My coverage area will include Des Moines, Ames, Pella, Marshalltown, Newton and Indianola as well as the small towns in between. Over the next few weeks I will begin publishing forecasts and horticultural posts will begin soon after.

 Winter snowfall average map.

Like Cedar Rapids, Des Moines has hot very humid winters and snow, cold winters. However the Des Moines averages less snow and significantly more 90 degree days then Eastern Iowa. It should also be noted that there is well documented urban heating in Des Moines, and most times the 2 weather stations with in the metro, 1, the Des Moines International Airport located on the south side and the Ankney Airport on the north side always being warmer then surrounding stations. Snowfall average, according to the map above which excludes the Des Moines Airport average, Ankeny Airport Winter snowfall average is around  27" The snowiest month is February at 7.5" The average rainfall 35.61" with the wettest month being June at 5.25" For temperatures Des Moines hottest month is July with an average high of 86.F typically, on average has 1 100.F per year and 21 days above 90. The coldest month is January with an average high of 31.F Typically there area 12 days below zero.

I hope to be welcomed into the area by new viewers of Central Southern Iowa and to my faithful viewers from Eastern Iowa, thanks for visiting my blog over the past year.

Changes coming soon.

This is an announcement to current viewers. It may have been noticed that there has been a slow down in posts, this is all in anticipation of a significant change that will result in big changes to my blog including a link change. The change will be announced at the end of next week and I will explain everything at that time.








Thank you


Blog owner


Derek McKay 

February 8th Clipper System, Highest Snow depth of the winter so far & adding the seasonal snowfall totals

Snowy Juniper during clipper system February 8th 2014

This Saturday brought another clipper system to Eastern Iowa, which in turn brought another wave of Snow, some of which came down very heavy at times, especially in the morning hours. During the afternoon the snow tapered but lasted though the rest of the day. The cause of Saturdays snow was all to a strong little system moving across the state. A strong snow band developed as it moved cross Central and Eastern Iowa during the early morning to mid afternoon hours producing 1-2" per hour amounts as it quickly moved across Iowa. Most of the accumulation in the reports below occurred in only an hours time. Here in Hiawatha I recorded 2.50" with 0.09" of water content, which is a dry snow. The snow was very light and fluffy and so fluffy I seen people using brooms to clear the snow off their cars. It also made for a beautiful Morning on Sunday when the large flakes glistened against the sun. The snow for the most part did not cause much in the way of issues accept for travel on Interstate 80 where an accident caused a 3 hour closer of the interstate near Iowa City.

So where are we in terms of snowfall/snowcover and such?

Adding the numbers: Hiawatha,Iowa

Seasons Total Snowfall 27.70" ( -2.30" from seasonal norm )

Snow this month 7.75" ( +1.25" and month just started )

Snow Depth 6.50" ( 0.98"  water content ) Highest snow depth of the season so far

February 9th Snowfall Reports

 Atkins 3.20"
 Cedar Rapids 3.00"
 Independence 3.0"
 Marion 3.00"
Northwest Cedar Rapids 2.70"
 Iowa City 2.60"
Waterloo 2.50"
Hiawatha 2.50"
 Mt Vernon 2.50"
Monticello 2.40"
 Springville 2.10"
Washington 1.0"

February 5th Snowfall Report- Northern edge of a winter storm drops 2-5" of snow causing dangerous travel

Increasing snow piles February 5th 2014

A snowstorm just got done hitting our area and it was a long lasting one by far. The snow started around noon Tuesday and continues through Wednesday. Heaviest snow occurred Wednesday morning. The fine texture to the snow made the roads extra dangerous and numerous accidents were reported throughout the area, Especially on 380 and interstate 80 the south side of Cedar Rapids, where I happened to be trying to get to Des Moines but had to turn around due to very dangerous conditions on interstate 80. Our snow here in Eastern Iowa was a part of a much larger storm system that effected 2 3rds of Iowa as well as a much larger part of the region that spread snow and ice across a huge part of the country from Kansas City southward to areas as far south as Northern Arkansas and Oklahoma. Amounts ranged from 1-2" in the highway 20 corridor to 5-6" in the south around Iowa City southward. Taking measurements was very difficult due to the fine textures nature of the snow and wind. Listed below is the reports for the area.

Snowfall reports

Wellman 5.0"
Victor 4.0"
 Marion 4.0"
 Olin 3.80"
Hiawatha 3.75"
Cedar Rapids 3.50"
Coralville 3.50"
 Bertram 3.50"
 Anamosa 3.20"
North English 3.00"
 Solon 3.0"
Jesup 1.50"
Independence 1.50"
Waterloo 1.50"

January 26th Major Blizzard & following January 28th arctic outbreak brought 50 to 60MPH winds and created whiteout conditions and cause damage and partially closer of some major highways.

Aftermath of the January 26th blizzard. Wind whipped fields of Northern Iowa near New Hampton,IA

I am now back from my final winter trip to Northern Wisconsin and I need to revisit the topic and do a report of last weeks blizzard here in Eastern Iowa. Looking back at reports from that day now looks as though the blizzard last weekend was very significant. I unfortunately don't have as much information as I would have liked to have shown for such a major event, I will go with what I can pull together for this report.  Sunday January 26th a potent Clipper/winter storm and the leading edge of a very cold Arctic Airmass came together to create a powerful blizzard that caused parts of the state to shut down last weekend, including many communities in our area. Between 1 and 4" of snow fell across the area, then winds gusted from 50 to over 60MPH causing blizzard conditions and even causing damage. I would consider this evening to be major. NWS reports even mentioned zero visibility and cars being stranded in Western Joens county near Springville. Highway 20 was shut down between Dubuque and Waterloo as well. In Independence reports of cars being pushed off the road in icy areas was reported. I was not around to witness the blizzard but upon my return I noticed significant drifting even days after the event. Temperatures plummeted behind the storm as well to the middle 10s below zero as the arctic air settled over the area Tuesday morning wind chills as low as -40.F were seen on Sunday and Monday morning. This storm had a true Arctic Blast to it. Below is a list of reports from that day as well as the coldest temperatures seen during this arctic outbreak

Reports

Marion 60MPH wind gust 3 foot long branches down
 Independence 59MPH gust
Monticello 56MPH wind gust, Blizzard conditions
 Iowa City 56MPH wind gust, Blizzard conditions
Van Horne 52MPH wind gust
 Washington 53MPH wind gust
 Eastern Iowa Airport-Cedar Rapids 54MPH wind gust
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Airport 52MPH wind gust
Vinton 50MPH wind gust
Olin & Springville, Blizzard- Pure white out conditions stranded motorist in Western parts of Jones county.
Manchester, Blizzard Highwah 20 closed between Dubuque and Waterloo
Independence, massive drifting on side roads
Mechanicsville, Whiteout conditions reported between Mechanicsville and Mount Vernon
Williamsburg, Blizzard conditions,  Shingles reported to have blown off of residence.

January 28th lows

 Manchester -18.F
 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Airport -18.F
Monticello -18.F
Independence -16.F
 Mount Vernon -15.F
Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport -13.F
Hiawatha, My Sta. -12.F
Williamsburg -10.F
Czech Village-Cedar Rapids -10.F
Iowa City -10.F
Washington -7.F

Sigificant weather system arriving Sunday will bring snow accumulations 3-5" then winds pick up 45-50MPH creating blizzard to near blizzard conditions. Extreamelly cold air follows on the heals of this with well below zero highs and near -20 below lows.

Regional Weather View

A system quick to gain all the attention will be impacting the Upper Midwest Sunday into Monday. Snowfall will not be the major issue, but high winds gusting to 50MPH will create widespread blizzard conditions across a huge area of the Midwest late Sunday into Monday. Also bitter cold extreme arctic air will be brought down by the arctic front behind this system and highs will be below zero across a large part of the region as well. This airmass will through the region into Winters Chill for a large part of next week.

Local Weather View

Locally Saturday will be colder and windy with gusts up to 35MPH as we see a brief shot of arctic air behind Friday night snow. Highs will start in the 10s and fall to the lower single digits by the evening hours.

Storms Impact Sunday: The major topic at hand Sunday will be the potienal for blizzard conditions later in the day into Monday. We can expect 3 real issues with this system, Extreme cold, blizzard conditions and high winds, but not high snowfall amounts. The NWS already has Winter Storm Watches in place, but locals should realize this is in place for more about the significant blowing snow that is expected, not the snowfall accumulations which will generally be 3-5". I have feelings the watch may be upgraded to a Blizzard Watch later on Saturday. Sunday will actually start off mild with highs in the mid 30s but then the arctic cold front will approach, snow showers will develop and the temperatures will fall throughout the day as winds pick up out the Northwest, by Sunday evening we could be having gusts of 45MPH + picking up the new 3-5" of snow that falls on Saturday. This will create blizzard to near blizzard conditions especially in open areas outside of the larger cites. Blowing and drifting will be an issued and travel impacts are likely. People should consider postponing or cancelling plans. The worst of the blowing will be Sunday into early parts of Monday, however Monday will be very cold in the wake of the passing of the arctic front. Highs will not get above zero and wind chills will be extreamlly cold. Wind Chill Warning statements may be issued as wind chills of -40.F are possible, we can expect actual air temperatures to be around -5.F on Monday. Monday Nights cold will rival or surpass the cold at the start of the month and could approach -20.F in all areas, with of course areas of the north having the best shot.Tuesday through Wednesday we will calm things down as we will be in the middle of the arctic airmass. It will be cold and dry both days with highs barely above zero Tuesday and moderating to thew upper single digits Wednesday. Thursday we increase the clouds some and we will finally crack the 20s for a high.

Saturday, Cold! Falling temperatures with gusty and cold northwest winds. Highs in the single digits by the evening hours. Saturday Night, Snow developing, some could be moderate at times. Lows rising to the upper 20s

Sunday, Snow likely, some could be moderate at times, Temperatures Start off in the 30s then falling to the single digits late. Strong Northwest winds developing later in the day and gusting to 45MPH + at times. Significant drifting and blowing snow likely with blizzard conditions possible at times. Sunday Night, Windy with significant blowing and drifting snow. Gusts up to 45MPH, blizzard conditions possible. Lows below zero with extreme wind chills.

Monday, Very Cold! and blustery with extreme wind chills. Sunny skies with highs around the mid single digits below zero. Monday Night, Very Cold! Lows in the upper 10s to lower 20s below zero.

Tuesday, Cold! and sunny. Not as blustery with sunny skies. Highs in the lower single digits above zero. Tuesday Night, Cold and clear with lows in the lower to middle 10s below zero.

Wednesday, Moderating temperatures. Sunny with highs in the middle 10s. Wednesday Night Clear skies with lows in the upper single digits. 

Thursday, Warmer with increasing clouds. Highs in the mid 20s. Thursday Night Cloudy skies with lows in the upper 10s.

Friday, Snow developing. Minor accumulations possible. Highs in the upper 20s. 

Looking Ahead

As you saw above Friday appears to be our next chance of snow. At this point i looks like a few inches  are a possibility, this could last into Saturday of next weekend. Sunday the 2nd looks fair for cloudiness with highs in the upper 20s. Monday through Wednesday 3rd through the 5th looks dry, sunny with temperatures around to just below normal. Thursday the model does get a little interesting. Possible a little to interesting to be taken seriously at this time. The model shows a winter storm system quickly developing over Kansas and then moving east spreading heavy snows and highs winds, possible blizzard conditions over a huge swath of the Midwest including all of Iowa and most of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. In the wake of this storm, yet another bitterly cold arctic airmass settles down from the north Friday through Sunday the 9th. Temperatures could again rival this and early January lows/highs. This is certainly becoming a very long and harsh winter for much of the region. 

January 20th snowfall

Snowfall January 20th 2014

Yesterday a strong arctic cold front made its way slowly through Iowa. The day started off with sunshine and highs ranging from about 32 to as warm as 37.F in the south. Temperatures cooled slowly through the day and then in the afternoon a fast moving storm system ahead of the arctic cold front and produced snowfall in Central and Eastern Iowa. The snowfall actually blossomed over Central Iowa near Marshalltown and came down quite heavy at times. Interesting to note that at the same time we had one full mild day in the 30s to our North up in Minnesota and Wisconsin had temperatures in the single digits at this same time. However it didn't take long to reach us. After about 9pm Temperatures nosedived to below zero levels in all areas by Morning Tuesday. Strong gusty winds of nearly 40MPH. The highest gust in the area was from Waterloo-Cedar Falls with a gust of 37MPH, this blew in these cold temperatures from the north and did cause some significant blowing snow in certain areas. This new snow that now covers the area brought the return of full snowcover to the entire area. Snowdepths of 4-8" of areas of the far north to as little as 2" in the south, all of which is from the last snowfall. The snowfall total of 1.70" here in Hiawatha brings the seasons total to 18.95" which is only 11.05" away from the seasonal average of 30" Below is a list of snowfall totals seen from this event.

Coggon 2.70"
Independence 2.50"
 Iowa City 2.50"
Marion 2.30"
 Atkins 2.20"
Swisher 2.10"
Monticello 2.0"
Anamosa 2.0"
 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Airport 2.0"
Washington 2.0"
Wellman 2.0"
North English 2.0"
Cedar Rapids 1.80"
Hiawatha 1.75"
Bertram 1.50"