Iowa City Weather: Staying Ahead of the Storms

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Residents of Iowa City and surrounding areas should be prepared for a dynamic weather pattern. Strong storms are possible this evening, with a Tornado Watch in effect for the far southeastern part of the state until 11:00 p.m. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also active for portions of the TV9 viewing area in southeast and east central Iowa.

Potential for Severe Weather This Evening

A strong warm front is driving the potential for storm development, particularly in the areas under the Tornado Watch. Additional storm development is possible north of the front between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., potentially bringing large hail. The most significant threat of damaging winds or an isolated tornado remains in the far south, closest to the front.

Safety Precautions

• If a storm approaches: Seek shelter indoors immediately.
• If a warning is issued: Go to the lowest floor of your home, away from windows.
• Tornado Warning: Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible (interior closet or bathroom). A basement is ideal.
• Mobile Home: Abandon it for more substantial shelter.
• Outdoors: Try to find indoor shelter. As a last resort, lie flat in a ditch, protecting your head and neck.
• Never seek shelter under bridges or overpasses.

Ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, such as a NOAA Weather Radio and the KCRG-TV9 First Alert Weather App. Stay updated with the latest information on KCRG.com and KCRG-TV9.

Transition to Snow and Colder Temperatures

Any storms developing this evening are expected to move east-northeast, exiting by around 8:00 p.m. or shortly after. Overnight, expect mostly cloudy skies and a chance of showers, potentially mixing with snowflakes, especially in northern areas. Temperatures will drop into the 30s, nearing freezing in the north.

Wednesday will bring a continued chance of a rain/snow mix, but temperatures will likely remain near or above freezing, limiting significant snow accumulation. However, exercise caution on roads if snow develops. Skies will gradually clear in the afternoon, with highs in the 30s to mid 40s. Blustery winds, with gusts up to 30-40 mph, will make it feel colder, with wind chills in the 20s and 30s.

Looking Ahead: A Quieter Week, Then a Potential Weekend Storm

The rest of the work and school week looks relatively quiet and warmer, with highs in the mid 40s to mid 50s. Clouds will increase later Thursday into Friday, which may be blustery. The weekend brings a slight chance of rain and snow on Saturday, with a more significant chance of a rain/snow mix on Sunday – a First Alert Day due to the potential for impactful weather.

Initially, precipitation on Sunday will likely be rain and snow, with southern and eastern areas seeing more liquid precipitation. As colder air arrives, the precipitation will transition to snow. The exact track, timing, and amount of precipitation remain uncertain, and we will continue to refine the forecast.

Following this system, much colder air will arrive early next week, with highs only reaching the 20s on Monday and around freezing on Tuesday (St. Patrick’s Day). Snow cover will influence temperatures, especially at night. A warm-up is currently forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, with a slim chance of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Stay tuned to KCRG for the latest updates on Iowa City weather!