[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IMKfeul_ro&w=480&h=360]
RAIN TO WHITE: Already occurring in western Iowa during the evening hours last night, the rest of the state will get in on the white stuff during the day today into tonight. The models have pinpointed the snow more clearly over the last 24 hours and we see most of the state outside the far eastern and southeastern counties receiving at least some accumulating snow from this storm system before it lifts out on Monday. Heavy rain on Saturday also led to some localized flooding as well in areas where drainage was either clogged by snow or is poor to begin with. Luckily if that heavy rain had been snow, we’d be looking at well over 10 inches plus in many locations across the eastern half of the state. Nevertheless, snow totals of 4-7 inches are possible across a wide swath of the state. With lighter amounts in NW, SW and across the eastern counties of the state where the precipitation will stay as rain the longest. Watches and Advisories are in effect and new ones could be issued by the time many of you are reading and or watching the video above.
CALMING WEEK AHEAD: It will cool down after the passage of the frontal system this weekend into Monday but it won’t be overly cold even in areas that do get some accumulating snow. Sunshine will return statewide Tuesday and readings will be back into the 30s and lower 40s, cooler in snow packed areas, and warmer elsewhere. There will be 40s statewide toward the end of the week before a weak disturbance from the north well drop in and produce a few sprinkles or flurries Friday and Saturday, not amounting to much.
IDES LOOKING BRIGHTER: The Ides of March are upon us and the rest of this month still looks somewhat active although the model runs have been wildly varied with regards to potential storm systems in the latter half of March. In any case we’re likely to see several rounds of precipitation and some quick shots of colder air followed by rapid rebounds. Nothing big time regarding any arctic cold snaps or heat waves at this time however.