Iowa’s Weekend Weather- High Winds, Hail, Storms, and Tornadoes

Storm season is upon us and another round is lined up after what is an absolutely beautiful spring day today (4/25) in Iowa. Well, as summer sweeps into the Midwest, warm temps bring Iowa an alert for a tumultuous weather pattern set to unfold from tomorrow through the weekend, although some small storms will begin this evening. Buckle up, Iowa residents, as a series of storms threatens to shake things up.

Starting off today- the calm before the storm. Temperatures are expected to climb to a comfortable 60 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Enjoy it while you can! Finally, a reprieve from the relentless winds of recent days! Winds will be much gentler today, staying between 5 to 15 mph from the northeast.

But don't let the tranquil weather fool you. Tonight, the stage is set for the first round of storms. While not expected to be severe, showers and storms are likely to roll in, with the potential for heavy downpours and frequent lightning. So, if you're heading out for your last day of work or school this week, grab an umbrella and expect a wet commute in some areas. Don't plan on doing much hiking, unless muck-runs are your thing!

Moving into Friday, the real action begins. Severe thunderstorms are more likely late in the day, with much of Iowa under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. The afternoon brings a mix of scattered non-severe thunderstorms, but keep your eyes peeled as the day progresses. By late afternoon, a low-pressure system will be making its way into the northwest, potentially spawning tornadoes in that region. Further south, a front crossing the boundary of the Missouri River could set the stage for severe storms, with the evening hours posing the greatest risk for severe weather.

As we roll into Saturday, there may be a brief respite from the storm activity during the morning and early afternoon. However, don't let your guard down just yet. Thunderstorm development could pick up again by Saturday afternoon and evening, particularly along and east of a frontal boundary expected to stall across Iowa. Damaging wind, tornadoes, and large hail are all on the table.

Sunday brings another round of showers and storms, with the potential for severe weather persisting. Plan for a wet day, with multiple rounds of activity likely, especially during the late morning to early afternoon hours. Eastern Iowa remains under a slight risk for severe storms, so stay vigilant and keep an eye on updates from local authorities.

Throughout this weather rollercoaster, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared. Make sure you have multiple reliable ways to receive severe weather information, such as NOAA weather radio and wireless emergency alerts on your smartphone. Check your emergency supplies and have a plan in place for seeking shelter if necessary.

While the storms will eventually pass, the weather rollercoaster may not be over. After the weekend, a brief break in the stormy weather is expected early next week, but the potential for more storms looms. So as always, stay tuned for updates as the ever-evolving Iowa weather gets started for another stormy season. Batten down the hatches and stay safe as we navigate Iowa's weekend weather adventure together.