Mild Christmas Week Weather to Melt Snowpack Across Northern Iowa
Northern Iowa is into Christmas week with unusually mild weather, a pattern that will continue to erode the remaining snowpack and make for mostly favorable travel conditions.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service show temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages. Highs across northern Iowa are expected to reach the 30s and 40s through much of the week, while central and southern Iowa see readings into the 40s and 50s.
The warmer air will gradually melt lingering snow, especially in open and rural areas, but it may also lead to periods of fog.
Forecasters say areas of fog are possible at night and during the early morning hours from tonight into midweek, which could reduce visibility for early commuters and holiday travelers.
Despite the warmth, precipitation chances remain low. Most of the week is expected to stay dry, allowing road conditions to remain in good shape for Christmas travel.
There is a small chance of drizzle or light precipitation around Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, mainly across eastern Iowa. Even so, significant travel impacts are not anticipated at this time.
Overall, the mild and mostly dry pattern points to a quieter stretch of holiday weather for northern Iowa, with travelers encouraged to remain alert for fog during nighttime and early morning hours.
