Northern Iowa will see a return to hazardous winter weather conditions from Sunday into early Monday, with snow showers, strong winds, and dangerously cold wind chills expected across the region.
Snow showers are forecast to develop Sunday, primarily affecting northern portions of Iowa. Not everyone will see snowfall, but areas that do could experience brief periods of sharply reduced visibility due to blowing snow. Snow accumulations are expected to remain light, generally around an inch or less, but strong northwest winds will play a major role in travel impacts.
Wind gusts between 35 and 45 miles per hour are expected across much of Iowa on Sunday, even in areas that receive little or no snow. These gusty winds may lead to blowing snow in open and rural areas, causing sudden visibility reductions and making travel difficult at times. Drivers should be prepared for changing conditions, especially during the daytime hours Sunday.
As snow showers taper off Sunday evening, bitterly cold air will move into the region. Wind chills are expected to plunge to between 15 and 30 degrees below zero late Sunday night into Monday morning. The dangerous cold could lead to frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
Residents are urged to take precautions by limiting time outdoors, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin. Travelers should slow down, allow extra time, and be alert for rapidly changing road conditions. Pet owners are also encouraged to bring animals indoors during the coldest conditions.
The combination of gusty winds, light snow, and extreme cold will make for a challenging stretch of winter weather across northern Iowa through early Monday.
