A beautiful Iowa fall day was seen across the state today with highs stretching out to the upper 50s to low 60s in most locations. Skies were clear for the most part, with the exception of a area of thin clouds moving across northeastern Iowa. A high pressure system is dominating over the Tennessee Valley region with a collection of low pressure systems over the Rockies. These systems should move east overnight parallel to a another low pressure center over Manitoba, all with a frontal system extending outward.

As these systems move east tonight, chances of rain should increase from west to east throughout the morning as moisture deepens. Western Iowa should begin seeing rain chances around daybreak, central Iowa around 10am to noon, and eastern Iowa in the afternoon. Rain should continue to lurk around the area for much of the day before lightening out in the evening and later clearing in the overnight. Rainfall amounts are expected to range from a trace to a quarter inch north to nearly a half inch south. High temperatures will be above normal for this time of year with upper 50s to mid 60s being the highlight. It’s unfortunate to note, however, that breezy southerly winds of 15-30 MPH will still make it feel chilly.

Depending on how fast skies clear out, one benefit that those in the east will see is overnight solar insolation. Those that are mostly cloudy to overcast in the east (as showers clear out) will see mild low temperatures as heat becomes trapped under the clouds. This will create a situation where those in northwest Iowa could see low 30s while those in locations like Burlington may nearly hit 50 for an overnight low. So there are some benefits to having a rather gloomy Monday.

Tuesday should be nice with party cloudy skies with highs in the 50s once again. Rain chances will return for the end of the work week with hit and miss chances for showers, but nothing accumulating is expected. An interesting weekend may be in store for some as snow chances will be possible this weekend and the beginning of next week. We will monitor this and provide further updates as we get closer.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!