Rain, Snow, and Freezing Rain: Iowa Braces for Severe Weather and Potential Blizzard Conditions

DES MOINES, Iowa — Central Iowa is bracing for widespread rain as it moves from the southwest to the northeast, starting mid-morning and progressing through the afternoon. The area can expect sustained winds of 20-25 mph out of the southeast with gusts potentially reaching 30mph. The rain is expected to continue overnight and into Monday afternoon as a low-pressure system moves northward across the state, bringing colder temperatures and the potential for wintry precipitation.

The highest probabilities of wintry precipitation, including freezing rain and snow, are predicted for western portions of the state, with the possibility of a brief period of freezing rain followed by light snow. Eastern areas of Central Iowa may see trace to a few tenths of an inch of snow, but significant snowfall is not expected due to above-freezing daytime temperatures.

The system is forecasted to bring a widespread 0.5 to 2.5 inches of rain, with the heaviest rainfall expected along the I-35 corridor and into western Iowa. This rainfall is anticipated to provide much-needed moisture to the state, with lighter amounts expected in eastern areas.

Christmas Eve in Central Iowa will see more rain showers with low temperatures around 50F, while Christmas Day is expected to bring steady moderate rain through the early afternoon, totaling 1-2 inches of rainfall. Christmas night may see a wintry mix, especially in western Iowa, with temperatures dropping to around 31F. Tuesday will bring rain and snow showers, with cloudy conditions and temperatures around 37F, followed by a cloudy Tuesday night with a few showers and temperatures near 30F.

In summary, Central Iowa is preparing for widespread rain, strong winds, and potential wintry precipitation as a low-pressure system moves across the state. The rain is expected to provide much-needed moisture to the area, with the heaviest rainfall along the I-35 corridor and into western Iowa. Despite milder temperatures, Central Iowa is preparing for a wet and potentially wintry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.