Winter is finally here! We have three headlines to mention as we head into your Wednesday, relating to dense fog, a snow/freezing rain combiniation, and air quality issues.

 

First, he National Weather Service has issued a DENSE FOG ADVISORY for the majority of Iowa, which is in effect until noon Wednesday. Visibilities are expected to drop below one-quarter of a mile early tonight and continue into tomorrow morning. Take extra time on the roads, leave plenty of distance ahead of you, and make sure to use low-lying lights.

Additionally, the WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY which is in effect until midnight Wednesday night in South Dakota has been extended into Lyon and Osceola counties. Freezing rain/drizzle and very light snow are expected this evening.  The best chance for freezing rain will exist this evening before it changes to all snow overnight thanks to temperatures plunging into the mid to upper 20’s overnight. Snow accumulations are expected to be in the two to four inch range, with locally higher accumulations possible. Freezing rain accumulations should be little to nothing. Winds will be another story with this system as winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph by Wednesday morning, causing visibilities to drop to three-quarters to a half inch at times.

The final headline to mention is that an AIR QUALITY ADVISORY has been issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Pollution levels are currently above Environmental Protection Agency levels and are expected to remain elevated through tomorrow. The DNR recommends that individuals with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children limit prolonged exertion until air quality conditions improve.