As February unfolds, Iowa residents should prepare for a series of winter weather events that will bring snow, ice, and a significant drop in temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued advisories across the state, urging caution due to anticipated hazardous conditions.
Friday, February 7: A Calm Before the Storm
- Des Moines: The day begins with some sunshine, but clouds will increase as the day progresses. Expect a high around 39°F (4°C) and a low near 28°F (-2°C).
- Cedar Rapids: Considerable cloudiness is expected, with temperatures reaching up to 34°F (1°C) and dipping to 27°F (-3°C) at night.
- Davenport: The city will see some sun before clouds roll in, with a high of 36°F (2°C) and a low of 29°F (-2°C).
- Sioux City: Cloudy skies transitioning to partly sunny conditions, with a high near 44°F (7°C) and a low around 26°F (-4°C).
Saturday, February 8: Ice and Snow Create Treacherous Conditions
- Des Moines: Low clouds accompanied by a bit of ice in the morning will make roads slippery. As the day becomes breezy, temperatures will reach 34°F (1°C) before plummeting to 10°F (-12°C) at night.
- Cedar Rapids: Morning periods of snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected, with little to no accumulation. Thick cloud cover will persist, and residents should watch for slippery spots early. The high will be around 32°F (0°C), with a low of 9°F (-13°C).
- Davenport: Occasional ice in the morning, followed by periods of rain and freezing rain in the afternoon, will create hazardous travel conditions. The high will be near 35°F (2°C), dropping to 16°F (-9°C) overnight.
- Sioux City: A couple of flurries early in the morning will give way to cloudy skies. The day will become windier and colder, with a high of 29°F (-2°C) and a low of 8°F (-14°C).
Sunday, February 9: Overcast and Cold
- Des Moines: The city will experience cloudy skies with a high of 29°F (-2°C) and a low of 15°F (-10°C).
- Cedar Rapids: Rather cloudy conditions will prevail, with temperatures reaching 25°F (-4°C) and dropping to 13°F (-10°C) at night.
- Davenport: Cloudy skies continue, with a high near 29°F (-2°C) and a low around 17°F (-8°C).
- Sioux City: The overcast trend persists, with a high of 34°F (1°C) and a low of 13°F (-11°C).
Monday, February 10: Brief Respite Before the Next System
- Des Moines: Some sun will give way to increasing clouds, with a high of 33°F (0°C) and a low of 10°F (-12°C).
- Cedar Rapids: Turning cloudy throughout the day, temperatures will reach 33°F (0°C) and fall to 11°F (-12°C) overnight.
- Davenport: Sunshine early will be overtaken by clouds later, with a high near 35°F (2°C) and a low of 19°F (-7°C).
- Sioux City: The day remains cloudy, with a high of 30°F (-1°C) and a low plunging to 0°F (-18°C).
Tuesday, February 11: Significant Temperature Drop with Snow
- Des Moines: Cloudy and colder conditions are expected, with a little snow falling throughout the day. The high will be around 17°F (-9°C), with a low of 4°F (-15°C).
- Cedar Rapids: The city will be cloudy and colder, with temperatures reaching 18°F (-8°C) and dropping to 5°F (-15°C) at night.
- Davenport: Cloudy skies dominate, with a high near 24°F (-4°C) and a low of 8°F (-13°C).
- Sioux City: Cloudy and much colder conditions are anticipated, with occasional snow and flurries, especially later in the day. The high will be around 8°F (-13°C), with a low of 2°F (-17°C).
Preparation and Safety Tips
With snow, ice, and freezing temperatures expected across Iowa, it’s important to stay prepared. Winter weather can be unpredictable, and even a small amount of ice or snow can make roads dangerous.