A bitterly cold day, to put it lightly, is on tap today as a large high pressure system and northwest flow aloft keep cold, arctic air hanging around the area. The best way to describe this is by looking at the highs today which will be below zero across the north with single digits in the south. Wind Chill Warnings are in effect for most areas north of Highway 20 and west of Highway 63 in northwest and north central Iowa with Wind Chill Advisories covering the rest of the state, with the exception of Lee and Van Buren counties. All of these headlines are currently set to expire at noon, however these are already expected to be extended and/or downgraded. Wind chills early this morning are expected to be a whopping negative 45 degrees. It will be very dangerous if you must be outside this morning, and if you must venture out – bundle up and take appropriate precautions.

The high pressure system aforementioned will slide eastward on Monday with a brief period of ridging thereafter. Keyword being brief. However, this brief break into a ridge will allow temperatures to not be as cold as they are today, ranging from single digits above or below zero in the north to potentially upper teens to low 20s in the south. On Tuesday, a shortwave will enter the area and allow a widespread snowfall across the state. The highest accumulations of this will be in southwest where 1-3″ will fall (lighter amounts elsewhere). So obviously not a big concern, amounts wise, but blowing snow is always a concern.

Good news comes out of the extended period with temperatures moderating to around normals (mid 20s to mid 30s). Not a lot of concerns with this precipitation-wise, though there will be a couple shortwaves moving through that may produce some light snow. An upper level low will pass by in the south but will not have any effects on the weather in Iowa. As always, things can change, and it’s a good idea to check back in as forecasts change.

Enjoy your Sunday! Have a great day.