Iowa Storm Center

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Spencer, IA
Iowa Storm Center

Iowa's Only Independent Weather Service, Specializing in Long Range Forecasting and Decision Support

08/31/2024

A series of cold fronts will slide through the area starting tonight through September 10th which will keep temperatures below normal for the remainder of the period. Then temperatures will rebound to above normal after the 10th and through the middle of the month.

The pattern will remain less active with below average precipitation expected through the end of the month. Meanwhile, tropical threats will continue along the gulf coast and southeast.

The forecast for October is already being calculated in addition to the winter outlook which will be released later next month.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/30/2024

Recap on Severe Weather from Thursday August 29th –

A cold front swept through yesterday that brought a line of showers and thunderstorms to all of Iowa. The severe weather threat was focused over northern Iowa with scattered reports of damaging winds, hail, and a weak waterspout tornado on Big Spirit Lake yesterday afternoon.

As expected, the overall sever weather threat was limited due to instability quickly decreasing into the evening. Additionally, flooding was reported on the north side of Sioux City and on I-35 north of Ames last evening with widespread 1-2”+ rainfall totals across the forecast area.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/29/2024

A cluster of thunderstorms will hit the entire forecast area later today through tonight.

A column of moisture pooled ahead of the front combined with strong upper divergence/instability will cause rapid severe thunderstorm development across the watch area starting 2-5 PM in northwest Iowa and moving eastward through the evening.

Given that instability values will crash as the afternoon progresses, have elected to focus the higher risk into far northern Iowa with overall severe threat limited. The storms today will be capable of hail, damaging winds, and the chance of an isolated tornado.

The cities included in the risk are Sioux City, Sheldon, Spencer, Storm Lake, Emmetsburg, Algona, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Waterloo, and Decorah. The system will deliver widespread rainfall amounts to the forecast area.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/27/2024

The same frontal system that brought severe weather to the northern plains on Monday will continue to move southeast today. This will bring a renewed risk of severe weather from central to southeast Iowa.

The latest forecast guidance suggests severe thunderstorm development along the frontal zone 5-9 PM. This activity will start near the western edge of the widely scattered zone and move eastward through late evening with a hail and wind threat.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/26/2024

A cold front will continue to drag southeast on Tuesday with a renewed risk of severe weather. Trends will be monitored closely but forecast soundings in this environment indicate dew points in the 70s combined with instability values on the upper scale.

This will support isolated/scattered severe thunderstorm development from early afternoon through the evening with threats for damaging winds and hail.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/26/2024

The update given yesterday remains intact for the event later tonight. A couple of isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible later this evening over northwest Iowa, specifically in the red shaded zone.

If these storms do develop in that zone, they will be capable of producing hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado.

Then the main impulse will hit after midnight through 4 AM Tuesday with a hail and wind threat.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/25/2024

A potent frontal system will slide across the northern plains on Monday with the focus across eastern South Dakota for severe thunderstorm development by middle/late afternoon.

This will have threats of hail, damaging winds and a couple of isolated tornadoes centered across the red shaded zone.

Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible later Monday night across northwest Iowa as this activity moves eastward.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/25/2024

Isolated Severe Threat Overnight Tonight -

A narrow axis of instability along a frontal boundary will nudge into the watch area later tonight with thunderstorms popping off after midnight across far eastern Iowa.

These will be capable of small hail, gusty winds and heavy rainfall. All activity will exit later Sunday morning as a very intense wave of heat will arrive.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/23/2024

Heat Wave This Weekend Through Early Next Week –

A strong upper-level ridge will move into the area starting Saturday, maximizing Sunday/Monday, and departing by Tuesday. Heat index values will reach advisory criteria for those in the magenta shaded zone across west to central Iowa on Sunday, then central/east Iowa on Monday.

- Meteorologist Maurer

08/20/2024

A broken line of rain showers is moving into western Iowa this morning with the onset of our next storm system. These showers will continue to push east toward the I-35 corridor today before dissipating.

Then a stronger impulse will hit northwest Iowa late this afternoon through the evening with scattered showers and the possibility of a thunderstorm. This activity will become more widespread across west and central Iowa into the overnight period.

Once Wednesday morning hits, a large area of scattered showers and drizzle will continue to slowly move southward into Missouri before tapering off later Wednesday afternoon with the highest rainfall totals over northwest Iowa.

Meteorologist Maurer

08/14/2024

The first round of the one-two punch event is hitting across western Iowa this morning.

Then the focus will be across southwest Iowa for severe thunderstorm development by this evening with threats for hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and a couple of isolated tornadoes.

The main tornado threat is centered from the Omaha/Council Bluffs forecast zone and points into far southwest Iowa where the dynamics peak around 6-8 PM this evening. This area of severe thunderstorms will move off to the east/northeast overnight where the threat will shift to primarily heavy rainfall.

We continue to narrow in on an area from southwest through south central Iowa and up to the I-80 corridor where training of storms along the frontal zone will be possible into Thursday morning leading to potential flash flooding.

This area will have a widespread 1-3" of rainfall into Thursday morning with 0.5-1.5" throughout the rest of the forecast area.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/13/2024

(IowaStormCenter.com) -- A strong warm/cold frontal system will eject into the plains on Wednesday with a one-two punch of showers and thunderstorms.

The first round of storms will hit western Iowa Wednesday morning followed by an advancing warm front in the afternoon that will bring very warm and humid conditions to the forecast area. Then the frontal zone will arrive by Wednesday evening with a secondary line of severe thunderstorms and heavy rains.

All hazards including hail, damaging winds and a couple isolated tornadoes will be possible over primarily southwest Iowa in the evening. Trends are being monitored closely here at IowaStormCenter.com for an upgrade in severe weather and heavy rainfall risks.

Locations across a large section of the forecast area may see as much as 1-3" of rain with locally higher overnight into Thursday before the system departs.

Further updates will follow later as we continue to sample the system.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/11/2024

A frontal system will move in from the west today with rain showers working into northwest Iowa this evening.

Then a stronger impulse of thunderstorms will hit later tonight through the overnight across all western Iowa. Rainfall amounts of 0.5-1.0” from west central through southwest Iowa with totals decreasing further northeast.

Scattered showers will remain intact across the state Monday morning before all activity exits around midday.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/06/2024

North Central Iowa Short Term Update – 7:26pm – 8-5-2024

Discussion: We are continuing to follow a cluster of tornado warned storms across southern Minnesota this evening. This was taken moments ago by Iowa Storm Center's Luke Wallaker near Delavan, MN. This activity will move southeastward into north central/northeast around 7:30-8 PM extending through 11 PM tonight.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/05/2024

A TORNADO WATCH has just been issued for portions of north central and northeast Iowa valid until midnight tonight.

- A few tornadoes possible
- Isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible
- Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/05/2024

Northern Iowa Update – 3:38pm – 8-5-2024

Discussion: A frontal boundary currently extends from southern Minnesota down through northern Iowa where the highest threat is tied to for all hazards through later tonight. This thunderstorm cluster will arrive after 7 pm tonight and move southeastward.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/05/2024

The main impulse of thunderstorms will move out of Minnesota and into northern Iowa later this evening with the primary activity to hit after 7 PM this evening.

This will be a strong northwesterly flow event with these storms capable of damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall and a couple of isolated tornadoes. The focus will be within the magenta shaded zone from north central to far northeast Iowa.

All activity will move east of the forecast area by Tuesday.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/04/2024

Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible along the frontal zone this evening with the main threat of hail and damaging winds. An isolated tornado is not off the table given low-level shear present this evening.

Then a second round of severe weather will follow Monday evening across northern Iowa with a hail/wind/tornado threat.

Additional updates to follow.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

08/01/2024

Here is a funnel cloud that was captured on the north side of Osceola tonight. Iowa Storm Center's Parker Hardy is in the area and confirmed that there was rotation at the time.

📷 Coral Dubon

07/31/2024

Southwest Iowa Short Term Update – 6:26pm – 7-31-2024

Discussion: A severe thunderstorm cluster located over southwest Iowa has produced a couple of tornadoes near Omaha at this hour along with strong wind gusts of 70+ MPH. The damaging wind and tornado threat is expected to continue downstream as a strong Mesoscale Convective System moves east/northeastward.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/31/2024

Short Term Update – 5:10pm – 7-31-2024

Discussion: A cluster of severe thunderstorms will move into west central and southwest Iowa around 6-7 PM this evening. Further north, a strong layer of instability remains intact late this afternoon which is currently suppressing any storms from developing.

However, this will erode as the evening progresses and should anticipate storm development across northwest Iowa around 7-9 PM this evening. All activity will continue eastward into central and eastern Iowa later tonight through the overnight period with all hazards on the table.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/31/2024

MAJOR SEVERE WEATHER EVENT TONIGHT - Wednesday, July 31, 2024 -

A strong impulse will hit western Iowa by the evening and work eastward into the overnight. The main points below.

1. West and northwest Iowa should be on alert for damaging winds and the potential for tornadoes.

2. The focus is on western Iowa for a strong cluster of severe thunderstorms to move through this evening and continue eastward through the rest of the state into the overnight period.

3. This will arrive in western Iowa 5-8 PM, central Iowa 7-11 PM and then far east around 9 PM - 2 AM.

4. All hazards including damaging winds, hail, heavy rainfall and a couple of tornadoes.

5. Main tornado threat over northwest Iowa given strong low-level shear values.

6. All activity will exit once Thursday morning hits.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/30/2024

A cluster of severe thunderstorms across central Iowa will continue to work south/southeast this morning and maintain a hail/damaging wind threat through early afternoon.

Then the focus will turn to redevelopment by later tonight across western Iowa extending east through Wednesday morning with the main threat for damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall.

Confidence is lower than normal with the overnight round, however highlighting the highest damaging wind threat across a large portion of southern Iowa with any storms that do develop in this environment.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/28/2024

Northwest Iowa Short Term Update – 4:54pm – 7-28-2024

Discussion: Flash flooding has taken place in Sioux City over the last couple of hours. This complex of strong/heavy thunderstorms will continue to slowly work east/southeast through the evening. Additional flooding and strong gusty winds will be possible given the slow movement of this line.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/28/2024

The next frontal system will hit this afternoon through the evening. The focus will be across west central to northwest Iowa for severe thunderstorm development around 3-4 PM this afternoon.

This activity will drag southeast later tonight with the main concern for damaging winds and hail.

Additionally, heavy rainfall may lead to flooding.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/24/2024

Severe thunderstorm development will be possible along the frontal zone across central and southern Iowa later this afternoon.

Any storms that do develop in the yellow shaded zone will be capable of producing hail starting in the northwest corner of the zone and moving southeast.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/23/2024

Scattered thunderstorms will develop early this afternoon along a boundary extending from northwest to southeast.

The system will have enough dynamics for a hail/wind risk in the yellow shaded zone. All activity will taper off later this evening.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/19/2024

A strong impulse of showers and thunderstorms will hit after 7pm tonight through the overnight period before tapering off 6-7 AM Saturday morning. Additional sporadic activity will develop on Saturday afternoon before the system lifts east of the area toward the evening.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

07/14/2024

The frontal system will continue to slide south on Monday with a renewed risk of severe weather across the forecast area.

A smaller complex of severe thunderstorms will break out across northwest Iowa by early Monday afternoon with this activity to slide east through the afternoon and into the evening.

The main threats will be hail and damaging winds, though an isolated tornado is not off the table given recent forecast soundings suggesting a decent amount of low-level shear.

- Meteorologist Maurer -

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8-5-2024 Iowa Update

Northern Iowa Update – 3:38pm – 8-5-2024 Discussion: A frontal boundary currently extends from southern Minnesota down through northern Iowa where the highest threat is tied to for all hazards through later tonight. This thunderstorm cluster will arrive after 7 pm tonight and move southeastward. - Meteorologist Maurer -

Evening Weather Update - 5:26pm - 3-16-2023 Discussion: Rain with backside snow showers continue to press east through central and eastern Iowa this evening through late tonight where a quick trace-2" of snow accumulation can be achieved. While some locations across northwest Iowa did see a quick hitting of snow earlier today, we did not here at the office. Overall, we weren't calling for a lot of snow to begin with but the main impacts are from the strong wind gusts. Here is a simulation of the radar from this afternoon to now. ~ BM

We will continue to see ongoing showers and thunderstorms through late tonight from southwest up through central and eastern Iowa as additional activity will develop overnight tonight into Saturday. Snow/sleet will try to mix in with the rain on the backside before this system slides off to the northeast of the state by Saturday afternoon. I have broken down all the details below including an extended look a the forecast ahead. ~ BM

An area of scattered sprinkles and showers will work into west central and northwest Iowa later tonight through Thursday. Rainfall amounts generally under a 0.10" for most areas with 0.10"+ possible along and west of the highway 60/75 corridor in northwest Iowa. ~ BM

A cold front will slide through the state later today. Ahead of the front will give most areas northwest winds gusting 30-45 MPH with an exception across north central and northeast Iowa where the gusts will range 25-35 MPH. Scattered sprinkles/showers will be possible this afternoon through the evening with even areas across northeast Iowa that may get a mix of rain and snow as cold air sets in behind the front. Breezy conditions will be a common theme this weekend through early next week. Then a high pressure will move in late this weekend and maximizing early next week. Strong sinking air within it will allow for mainly clear skies. This will send very cold temperatures back into the state Sunday night through Tuesday night. Given what I have seen, I would expect temperatures to continue trending colder for Monday/Tuesday night compared to what is modeled below. ~ BM

Morning Weather Update - 7:18am - 9-10-2022 Discussion: Showers and thunderstorms will continue to slowly move east as the day goes on. For the most part the article I sent out yesterday looks good. The only change I would make is bumping up totals across all of east/southeast Iowa due to the system slowing down and additional wrap around moisture on Monday. ~ Forecaster: BM

Sunday AM Severe Weather Update 8-28-2022

Saturday AM Severe Weather Update 8-27-2022

Upper Level Low To Deliver Showers And Thunderstorms Tonight Through Saturday. An upper level low will bring showers and thunderstorms to the area later tonight through Saturday so read on for the full details... Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/upper-level-low-to-deliver-showers-and-thunderstorms-tonight-through-saturday/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

UPDATE: The second half of the system will hit today and so far the event has went as planned which I posted back on Monday. We will continue to see scattered rain/snow showers state-wide through late tonight combined with strong northwest winds. The strong winds will continue overnight tonight through much of Friday. Additional scattered snow showers are expected from central to eastern Iowa during the day Friday before the system will move off to the east. If snow can accumulate, it will mainly be on grass and elevated surfaces with a quick trace-1" not off the table.

Iowa Forecast: Windy with rain likely today...mild temperatures this weekend. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-windy-with-rain-likely-today-mild-temperatures-this-weekend/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Forecast: Scattered showers today...rain/snow likely tonight through Friday. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-scattered-showers-today-rain-snow-likely-tonight-through-friday/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Forecast: Breezy today...tracking rain/snow threats Thursday night into Friday. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-breezy-today-tracking-rain-snow-threats-thursday-night-into-friday/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Forecast: Snow south today...turning mild later this weekend into next week. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-snow-south-today-turning-mild-later-this-weekend-into-next-week/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Forecast: Tracking accumulating snow late tonight through Thursday...mild temperatures next week. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-tracking-accumulating-snow-late-tonight-through-thursday-mild-temperatures-next-week/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Update: Accumulating snow likely across much of Iowa tonight into Monday. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-update-accumulating-snow-likely-across-much-of-iowa-tonight-into-monday/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Forecast: Tracking accumulating snow threats Thursday...turning mild this weekend. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-tracking-accumulating-snow-threats-thursday-turning-mild-this-weekend/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Forecast: Snow, wintry mix and gusty winds today...additional snow chance Thursday. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-snow-wintry-mix-and-gusty-winds-today-additional-snow-chance-thursday/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!

Iowa Forecast: Latest on snow and wintry mix threats later today through Tuesday...watching late week snow chances. Details here - https://iowastormcenter.com/iowa-forecast-latest-on-snow-and-wintry-mix-threats-later-today-through-tuesday-watching-late-week-snow-chances/ This forecast update is brought to you by GOES Insurance. Specializing in all of your insurance needs. Visit us online at http://goesins.com or give us a call at 712-200-GOES (4637) to get started. Make the switch to GOES and save money today!