7-day Weather Forecast - Dr. Justin Glisan Temperature: Above average temperatures in the 50s and 60s Temperature gradient across the state Precipitation: Quieter weather pattern after an active March Windy conditions expected Climate Forecast - Madelynn Wuestenberg 6-10 day (April 15-19): Temperature: Leaning below normal temperatures along the eastern part of the state Near normal temperatures for the rest of the state Precipitation: Southeast edge of the state leaning slightly above normal The rest of the state near normal precipitation 8-14 day (April 17-23): Temperature: Eastern part of the state: near normal temperature conditions Western half of the state: 33-40% chance of leaning above normal temperatures Precipitation: Most of the state near normal precipitation 3-4 week (April 19-May 2): Temperature: Equal chances for above, below, or near normal temperatures Precipitation: Equal chances for above, below, or near normal precipitation Normal Weather Context for This Time of Year: Temperature: Low 60s for daytime highs, upper 30s for overnight lows Precipitation: About 1/10 of an inch per day (doubling by the end of the month) Recent Weather Events - Madelynn Wuestenberg Temperature: March was the 9th warmest on record (based on 153 years of records) Recent cold snap with temperatures as low as 18°F in Audubon Precipitation/Severe Weather: First tornado of the year near Wilton, IA (EF0, traveled almost 2 miles) Localized heavy snowfall in March (band from north of Omaha through Mason City) More snow from March 20th event than the entire December-February winter period Specialty Crops Impacts Strawberry blossoms likely damaged if left uncovered during recent cold snap (temperatures reached 18-25°F) Magnolia trees in Des Moines showing brown flowers from frost damage Some growers reporting issues with greenhouse transplants showing death to cotyledons or stunting Soil conditions have been dry enough for field work preparation Innovative approach: A grower in Louisa County burned down terminated cover crop to create a blackened field that would absorb more solar radiation, potentially keeping the soil warmer for sweet corn seeds Other Weather/Climate Discussion Topics ENSO Status: Last La Niña advisory with significant chances for ENSO neutral conditions developing Spring Barrier: Transition period where global teleconnections (like ENSO) have less influence on local weather Windiness: Iowa experiencing second windiest spring on record due to three strong low-pressure systems in March April is climatologically the windiest month for Iowa This Day in Iowa Weather History - Dr. Justin Glisan: On April 10, 1930, very warm weather pushed temperatures to 96°F at Clarinda, making it the earliest date of the year on which such a temperature has ever been recorded in Iowa. Other high temperatures included 95°F at Thurman, 94°F at Atlantic, 93°F at Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and 92°F in Des Moines, Dubuque and Keokuk. At many locations, this remains the earliest date on record of temperatures in the 90s.

Ver todos los episodios