Key Highlights
- Iowa is likely to see fresh snow during the Thanksgiving week.
- The storm will start as rain and transition to snow in northwest Iowa.
- Temperatures are expected to be at least 6 to 10 degrees below average.
- Travelers should prepare for possible delays, disruptions, and cancellations.
Thanksgiving Weather Forecast: Snow Expected in Iowa
In a weather update that could impact holiday travel plans, long-term forecasters with AccuWeather are warning of a storm expected to hit Iowa during the week of Thanksgiving. According to Chad Merrill, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, this storm will bring rain initially and transition into snowfall by Thursday, November 28.
Forecast Details
The heavy snowfall is predicted in northwest Iowa, potentially reaching several inches. However, AccuWeather is too early to predict if the accumulation could exceed 10 inches. The storm will begin to cool temperatures and bring high winds, making conditions treacherous for travelers.
Travel Warnings
To ensure safe travel during this period, travelers should prepare for possible disruptions. AccuWeather suggests that falling or blowing snow combined with wind gusts reaching 35 mph will reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile for at least three hours, qualifying as blizzard conditions.
Temperature Outlook
The Thanksgiving weather in Iowa is expected to be colder than average. In Des Moines, the high temperatures could drop from an average of 41 degrees to around 24 degrees, while lows will hover near freezing and in the mid-teens range. Gusty winds and cold real-feel temperatures may cause spotty power outages.
Preparation Tips
Given these forecasted conditions, residents are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and road closures. Utility companies recommend securing loose objects outside and checking emergency supplies in case of prolonged power outages. Local authorities are expected to issue additional warnings as the storm approaches.
Kate Kealey from The Des Moines Register notes that while this forecast is based on current data, conditions could still evolve. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as Thanksgiving approaches.
