Weather Story

Critical Fire Weather Conditions Today

Isolated severe storms Tue night and Wed

Blizzard Conditions Likely Wednesday

The combination of warm temperatures with highs in the 70s, southwest winds gusting 30 to 40 mph at times, low humidities, and dry/dormant vegetation will result in critical fire weather conditions today. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Burning is not recommended today.

The potential for isolated strong to severe thunderstorms will return late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Initially a few strong to severe storms will hail will be the primary concern during the nighttime hours, however later in the day Wednesday isolated strong to severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes will be possible. This thunderstorm potential will be immediately followed by a significant winter storm with blizzard conditions possible across western and northern Iowa. The strong winds with 50 mph or more gusts driving the blizzard in those areas will also occur farther south and east where those locations will receive little to no snowfall.

After warm temperatures today, the weather will take quite a turn back to winter into midweek. A large, potent winter storm may bring blizzard conditions to parts of the Midwest Wednesday, including portions of western and northern Iowa. Those locations may moderate to heavy snowfall and strong winds gusting to 50 mph or more producing near zero visibilities and blizzard conditions. Those winds of 50 mph or more will also extend farther south and east into locations receiving little or no snowfall. This may result in some tree and power line damage, even in locations that don’t receive much in the way of snow. Travel may be hazardous to near impossible over over western and northern Iowa Wednesday. Check the latest forecast and road conditions before travel midweek.