Snow, Wind and Dangerous Cold Set to Impact Northern Iowa This Week

A stretch of active winter weather is expected to impact northern Iowa through the remainder of the week, beginning with accumulating snowfall Tuesday afternoon and continuing with strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures later in the week.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for portions of north-central and northeast Iowa from 3 p.m. Tuesday through 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Snow is expected to move into the region Tuesday afternoon, with the greatest impacts occurring during the evening hours. Forecasters expect 1 to 3 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, especially across northern and northeastern Iowa. Snowfall is expected to begin between 3 and 5 p.m., peak between 6 and 9 p.m., and taper off late Tuesday night.

While winds will remain relatively light during the snowfall, road conditions may quickly become slippery, potentially impacting the Tuesday evening commute.

Conditions will worsen again on Wednesday afternoon and evening as strong northwest winds develop. Wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph are expected, which could lead to blowing snow, reduced visibility, and difficult travel conditions — even in areas where only light snow has fallen.

Looking ahead, very cold air will settle into Iowa late this week. From Thursday night through Saturday, wind chills are expected to drop well below zero, with some locations experiencing dangerous wind chills of -20 degrees or colder at times.

Residents are urged to limit time outdoors during the coldest periods, cover exposed skin, bring pets indoors, and ensure vehicles are stocked with emergency supplies.

Motorists should continue to monitor forecasts and road conditions as winter weather impacts evolve throughout the week.