Bitter Cold and Dangerous Wind Chills Set to Grip Iowa
Iowans, brace yourselves for a brutally cold stretch of winter weather as frigid temperatures and dangerously low wind chills take hold next week. Beginning Sunday, February 16, a powerful Arctic blast will settle over the state, bringing some of the coldest temperatures of the season. Cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings will likely be in effect throughout the entire week due to the severity of the conditions.
Frigid Forecast: A Breakdown of the Week Ahead
Sunday, February 16
High temperatures will struggle to climb out of the teens, with most locations hovering between 9-22°F. The coldest readings will be found in northern and central Iowa, including Mason City (9°F) and Fort Dodge (10°F), while areas farther southeast, like Davenport and Clinton, will reach a relatively milder 22°F. Overnight, lows will drop into the single digits, with Mason City at 3°F and Des Moines at 6°F. Wind chills will range from -5°F to -15°F.
Monday, February 17:
A reinforcing shot of Arctic air arrives, sending high temperatures plunging. Des Moines will only reach 7°F, while northern cities like Mason City (-1°F) and Spencer (0°F) won’t even make it above zero. Overnight, lows will be brutal, with Mason City dropping to -11°F and wind chills plunging to -30°F. Spencer will see even worse conditions, with a low of -12°F and wind chills of -21°F.
Tuesday, February 18:
This will likely be the coldest day of the stretch. Highs will struggle to rise above zero across much of the state, with Des Moines forecasted to reach only 2°F and Omaha expected to top out at 0°F. Mason City and Spencer will remain at or below zero for most of the day. Overnight temperatures will be dangerously low, with Spencer and Mason City hitting -18°F and wind chills dropping to a staggering -39°F. Des Moines will bottom out at -10°F, with wind chills as low as -28°F.
Wednesday, February 19:
Another day of single-digit highs and subzero lows is expected. Mason City will reach only 2°F during the day, while Des Moines will peak at 3°F. Areas like Sioux City and Council Bluffs may briefly touch 5°F. Nighttime temperatures will remain bitterly cold, with lows dipping to -14°F in Mason City and -12°F in Des Moines. Wind chills will hover around -35°F, making frostbite a serious risk.
Thursday, February 20:
Though still extremely cold, temperatures begin a slow rebound. Highs will range from 8-13°F statewide, with Mason City and Spencer at 8°F, while Des Moines reaches 11°F. Lows will remain in the negative double digits in many areas, with wind chills still reaching -31°F in Mason City and -30°F in Creston.
Friday, February 21:
Temperatures will finally begin to recover, with highs climbing into the teens and even low 20s in some locations. Des Moines will top out at 18°F, while Davenport may reach 22°F. While still cold, this will feel significantly better compared to earlier in the week. Overnight lows will be in the single digits to low teens.
Dangerous Wind Chills: A Life-Threatening Concern
The biggest concern during this cold outbreak will be the dangerously low wind chills. On Tuesday morning, Mason City and Spencer will experience wind chills near -39°F, while Des Moines will feel like -27°F. Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes in these conditions, making it crucial to limit time outdoors and bundle up in multiple layers if you must venture outside.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
With extreme cold gripping the state, here are some essential safety precautions:
- Limit exposure: Avoid prolonged outdoor activities, especially for children and pets.
- Dress in layers: Wear insulated clothing, a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect exposed skin.
- Check on vulnerable individuals: Ensure elderly neighbors and those without adequate heating have a warm place to stay.
- Prepare for heating issues: Keep extra blankets and space heaters handy in case of furnace malfunctions.
- Protect your pipes: Let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing.
- Keep emergency supplies in your car: Include blankets, food, water, and a flashlight in case you get stranded.
Stay Weather Aware
With dangerously cold temperatures ahead, stay informed by checking local forecasts frequently. Follow the Iowa Storm Chasing Network for the latest weather updates, and be prepared for a frigid and potentially hazardous week.
Stay safe and warm, Iowa!