When will the record cold hit Iowa?

Record-breaking cold is expected on the morning of December 4th, with temperatures dropping significantly.

What are the frostbite risks in Iowa?

Wind chills between -20 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit can cause frostbite in about 30 minutes, requiring extra precautions.

Will there be snow in Iowa this weekend?

A clipper system approaching late Saturday into Sunday has the potential for impactful snow, but the exact track is still uncertain.

Home / Weather / Iowa Freezes: Record Cold Descends

Iowa Freezes: Record Cold Descends

4 Dec

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Summary

Temperatures will drop significantly due to a passing cold front.
Record-breaking cold is expected for December 4th with subzero lows.
A weekend clipper system may bring impactful snow across the Midwest.

A significant shift in weather is unfolding across Iowa, with temperatures set to plummet throughout the day. Beginning in the upper 20s and low 30s, the mercury will fall sharply as a cold front passes late morning into the afternoon. By 5 p.m., teens are expected, accompanied by wind chills in the single digits, heralding a very cold night ahead.

Thursday morning, December 4th, is predicted to bring record-breaking cold to large parts of Iowa, with some areas anticipating double-digit below zero temperatures. Even a slight breeze could generate wind chills between -20 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a risk of frostbite within approximately 30 minutes. During the afternoon, wind chills will struggle to reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Looking towards the weekend, temperatures will moderate slightly, reaching near 30 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday. However, a clipper system is forecast to move across the Midwest late Saturday into Sunday. The precise track of this system is currently uncertain due to model disagreements, but it carries the potential for impactful snow, particularly for those traveling.