Summary Winter weather forecast and record highs/lows.  Dan Fillius and Justin Glisan discuss a major winter storm that hit western Iowa in 1997, with heavy snowfall and drifting. The hosts reflect on the impact of heavy wet snow and plummeting temperatures on snow drifts, and Justin Glisan provides a forecast for the upcoming storm. Glisan, Justin: Large scale low pressure system bringing widespread rain and potential snowfall, with temperatures plummeting into early next week. Dan Fillius: Questions about potential record highs and lows, with newer stations potentially setting their own records. Iowa weather and crop harvest.  Iowa's October precipitation is above average statewide, with some areas receiving more rainfall than others. Farmers in the Midwest are experiencing a mix of heavy rainfall and dry soil, with some areas experiencing drought despite recent rainfall. Temperatures in northern Iowa could drop to lower teens, while southern parts of the state remain in mid-20s. Soil temperature, crop protection, and harvesting strategies for frost damage.  Dan Fillius discusses protecting crops from cold temperatures, mentioning carrots, lettuce, chard, and kale as particularly vulnerable to damage. Justin Glisan provides insight on soil temperatures at four inches, stating that they are still in the mid to upper 50s across northern Iowa, with some insulation provided by recent moisture. Soil temperature had been particularly dry in North Iowa, which led to a more rapid decrease in soil temperature during the last cool spell. Crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts can tolerate cooler temperatures, but harvesting before frost is recommended to prevent limpness. Dan Fillius discusses potential damage to strawberries and fruit crops due to cold snap, recommends mulching or using frost fabric for protection. Weather patterns and their impact on temperature.  Snowpack in Siberia impacts US weather through albedo and polar vortex oscillations. Snowpack in the US and Siberia could lead to wavier weather patterns in North America this winter. Meteorologist Judah Cohen predicts significant polar vortex outbreak next week. El Nino weather patterns and their impact on the Midwest.  El Niño outlook for December, January, February shows elevated probabilities of warmer temperatures in upper Midwest and northern states, and unseasonably dry conditions in Montana and Dakotas. El Niño events in the last 3 years have resulted in warmer sea temperatures and less snowfall in Iowa. Climatologist Justin Glisan discusses the challenges of being wrong in meteorology.  

Ver todos los episodios