[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fylj-Wq2Aqc&w=640&h=480]
FALL LIKE: Temperatures will be similar to September readings over the next few days, which seems poignant with High School Football beginning tonight for some schools across the state. Kickoff temperatures will be in the middle to upper 60s with end of game readings a few degrees either side of 60, cooler north to warmer south. The GFS continues to want to bring some showers around this weekend with some instability that will be rotating around the low over James Bay. With the dry air in place, these chances will be remote if at all, so we’ll take the dry road forecasting mostly sunny with afternoon clouds that “could” drop a sprinkle.
NEXT FRONT: As mentioned yesterday, the next best chance of showers and thunderstorms will move back into the state Thursday with a cold front coming from the west. It’s too early to determine rainfall this far out, but any rainfall will help replenish soil moisture decimated by the drought this summer.
DROUGHT: The latest drought monitor released yesterday morning shows a slight improvement across the state. 62% of the state is in Extreme Drought, that’s down from 69% last week, while the rest of the state is in severe drought. Drought conditions have worsened in the Plains where Exceptional drought has increased in those areas. Relief with some rain late next week and much cooler temperatures will keep the drought from expanding much more than it is currently.
NOTE: Iowa Forecast Videos will be DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED with a new exciting Video Series on August 20th.