Iowa Weather Report August 5th 2015: To Rain or Not to Rain

SOME RAIN ON THE WAY: Another day of sunshine across the state today however there will be a slight chance of some showers and thunderstorms by late in the day across the western counties. Highs will be in the upper 70s to lower 80s across the state. The GFS shows some more activity possibly Thursday into Friday across the state. Confidence is not very high in this solution at least for the eastern counties of the state as dry air from a high pressure over the Great Lakes may keep a lot of the precipitation from getting too far to the east. Nevertheless the chances are there Thursday into Friday across the state for some showers and thunderstorms. Outside those chances, skies will be partly to mostly sunny with readings mainly in the upper 70s through the middle 80s.

WEEKEND: There will be a few more chances of seeing some showers and thunderstorms across the state on Sunday into Monday, however the chances are about 30-40% at this time and could be less than that. Confidence is still wavering at this time with regards to the precipitation. Temperatures during the period will be fairly similar to earlier in the week with readings in the 80s for the most part.

NEXT WEEK: After a few chances of rain on Monday, skies will turn partly to mostly sunny again on Tuesday into Wednesday with readings in the upper 70s and lower to middle 80s. It will also be comfortable as well with lower humidity around. The GFS shows more shower and thunderstorm activity toward the end of next week but this is still fluid and may change in future runs. This would also coincide with the beginning of the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.

SOMEWHERE OUT THERE: Looking further into the extended period, the GFS shows cooler air coming in behind the system toward the end of next week. The cooler air looks to last through the 18th before another system approaches from the west with showers and storms possible at that time through the end of the period. Readings during this period would be in the 70s to lower 80s if this were to verify. Still plenty of time to watch for any changes.