[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymjf6cRjWWk&w=480&h=360]

SCATTERED CHANCES: There will be some widely scattered showers and thunderstorms across the state over the next few days with the best chances mainly being south of Interstate 80. This will be with an upper level system that is currently over New Mexico and west Texas. The storm will slowly move to the ENE toward the state through the middle of the week before moving SE and away by late on Thursday. Temperatures will be held down by this with readings in the 60s and 70s for highs rather than the 80s and 90s of the last few days in western Iowa.

EASTER WEEKEND: This run of the GFS is faster than yesterday showing the storm coming in late Friday and lasting through Saturday evening before moving eastward. This would give a mostly dry forecast to the state for sunrise services on Easter Sunday with cooler temperatures. The next few days after that though may get much cooler with possible highs down into the 40s and 50s. This may also bring frost or freeze conditions to the state as well, but we’re uncertain of that as yet.

UNLUCKY DAY: A storm is forecast to move into the state on Friday the 13th. This storm as it looks right now and has looked over the last few runs may bring some shower and thunderstorm activity to the state. Some of the storms MAY become strong to severe with this look, but it’s way too early to determine severe weather more than a week out. We’ll continue to monitor any trends with this possible event.

SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK: Remember it is Severe Weather Awareness week in Iowa. There will be several posts throughout the week on the aspects of severe weather including watches, warnings and safety measures during such events.