A pattern change is in the works by early next week that could bring chances of rain to the state at that time. It’s still too early to determine how much rain will fall from this event as the computer models are still all over the map on this one, but the current pattern of dry weather is expeceted to end. Cooler weather is also on tap next week with highs dropping into the 60s and lows dropping into the 40s. Some upper 30s will likely be possible in the cooler NE Iowa Valley locations.

Historical WX: On this date in 1978, 6 people were killed when a tornado went from Rhodes in Marshall County through to south of Grinnell in Poweshiek County. 4 of the people were killed in the business district located along Interstate 80 at Iowa Highway 146 south of Grinnell. 3 of the fatalities were a vacationing family from New Hampshire. Damage was estimated at 7 million dollars.