[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdhc8Tzv3ik&w=480&h=360]
CLEARING OUT: The storm that brought heavy wet snow to northern and western Iowa and heavy rain to the eastern and southeastern counties will be moving away today. Some flurries and light snow showers will be possible in the eastern counties through the morning into the early afternoon hours before ending. Skies will begin to clear in the western counties late in the day. Highs will be in the 20s and 30s across the state. Brisk winds will bring wind chills down into the teens in some locations during the day. A few backwash flurries are possible during the day Tuesday as well in the northeastern and far eastern counties, otherwise partly to mostly sunny skies will be the rule with readings climbing back into the 30s to near 40.
WARMING UP: The rest of the week will see increased temperatures as the winds turn south and southwesterly. This will bring readings well into the 40s across the state which will lead to some melting snow in areas that did receive some from this latest storm system. Some fog can’t be ruled out either if the winds tend to die down during the overnight hours. The next storm Friday night into Saturday will skirt the state to the north but could bring a few sprinkles or flurries but nothing too significant at this time. River Flooding could be an issue again as it is now in the eastern counties as well with the snow melt taking place. Be aware of creeks, streams and rivers that will be fast flowing and near or just over bank full over the next week or so (especially where heavy rain fell from this last storm and where heavy snow fell and will be melting)
WEEKEND INTO EXTENDED: After the one storm skirts the state Saturday, another comes in on St Patrick’s Day Sunday and may be the start of an active period that may last the rest of the following week. We’ve seen some model runs showing active weather during this period and this one doesn’t disappoint. Some rain, snow and perhaps thunderstorms are all possible with these systems but we still have plenty of time to watch them over the next few days.