Despite gusty northwest gusts, temperatures in central Iowa reached the mid-40s this afternoon thanks to partly clear skies. Those extreme winds will blow over 50 mph at times throughout the early evening, helping to bring in significantly colder weather as the evening progresses.
Temperatures are expected to drop from the mid-40s to the low 20s and teens by 9 to 10 p.m. and to remain in the single digits overnight.
By morning, we expect low temperatures in the single digits and low teens across the state, with wind chills ranging from -5 to -15 degrees due to strong winds. Anyone leaving early in the morning will have a frigid start.
The good news is that the winds will subside throughout the day, but temperatures will remain rather cool, with highs only reaching the upper teens and low 20s.
The cold weather will not last long. Highs will return to the upper 30s on Friday and reach the 50s by the weekend. Saturday’s highs should be in the low 50s, with upper 50s expected on Sunday.
It may be a little gusty this weekend, but the warmer temps should make it easier to enjoy it. Rain and snow chances are expected to be limited into next week.
Reference: Iowa Weather: Powerful winds bring an arctic chill overnight