Iowa Braces for Light Snow Amid Brief Warm-Up After Frigid Cold

DES MOINES, Iowa — After enduring days of brutal cold, Iowans can expect a brief reprieve Wednesday as a weak clipper system brings warmer air and light snow to the region. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the low to mid-30s, offering a temporary break from the subzero wind chills that have gripped the state.

The clipper system, moving in early Wednesday, will shift winds to the southwest, pushing temperatures up overnight and into the afternoon. While snowfall is expected to be light, with most areas seeing less than an inch, eastern central Iowa could receive up to 1.5 to 2 inches. Snow showers are likely to begin early Wednesday morning and continue intermittently through the afternoon.

“We’ve had some snow showers trying to develop, but with a dry layer at the surface, it’s been eating away at the bulk of the moisture,” said a local meteorologist. “Still, we’ll see some snow as we head into tomorrow morning.”

Despite the warmer daytime temperatures, the relief will be short-lived. By Wednesday night, north and northwest winds will return, driving temperatures back down to single digits by Thursday morning. Wind chills in northern Iowa could again dip to 10 to 15 degrees below zero.

Residents are advised to take precautions during the extreme cold. “When wind chills drop below -20 degrees, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less,” warned health officials. “At -35 degrees, it can happen in under 10 minutes.”

To stay safe, experts recommend limiting time outdoors, covering exposed skin, and checking on vulnerable family and neighbors. Homeowners are also urged to keep their heat at least 64 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing and to avoid using gas stoves or generators indoors.

Looking ahead, sunshine will return Thursday, with partly to mostly cloudy skies expected Friday and into the weekend. Temperatures will climb into the upper 20s by Friday and mid-30s by Saturday, offering a more sustained warm-up before another dip late in the weekend.

Today’s forecast includes sunshine and some clouds, with a high of 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Morning wind chills near -30 will improve to -5 in the afternoon. Tonight, skies will remain cloudy, with lows around 12 degrees and winds from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a chance of flurries and a high of 33 degrees. By Wednesday night, partial clearing is expected, with lows dropping to 8 degrees and winds shifting to the northwest at 10 to 15 mph.