[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQJBvDWdSsw&hl=en&fs=1]

COOL AND DRY: After a few days of rain, the state should begin to dry out a little bit with a few days of pleasant weather. However, temperatures will be slightly below climatic norms, with readings in the mid 50s to lower 60s. Friday will see readings rebound into the mid 60s to lower 70s ahead of a cold front that will bring the next chance of rain to the state. Farmers will need the dry time to get the spring planting started, but some fields are too muddy and wet for them to go out as yet.

FLOODING: The Mississippi River continues its slow fall, however with the amount of rain over the last few days, the river will not fall below flood stage from Dubuque on downstream anytime in the next week (except Bellevue). Minor to Moderate flooding can be expected on the Mississippi in these areas through at least Mother’s Day weekend north of the Quad Cities and May 15th to the south through Keokuk, barring any more heavy rainfalls. Other rivers including the Wapsipinicon at De Witt, Iowa River at Marengo, West Fork Des Moines, Des Moines, Missouri, Big Sioux and Little Sioux rivers also remain under flood warnings as well.