Des Moines, Iowa – Much of northern, central, and eastern Iowa is preparing for a dangerous blast of Arctic cold as a Cold Weather Advisory takes effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Des Moines.
Forecasters say wind chills are expected to plunge to around -33 degrees, with some locations briefly approaching -35 degrees during the coldest hours late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Officials warn that these conditions pose a serious risk to anyone exposed to the cold for even a short time.
Cold Weather Advisory in Effect
The advisory covers a wide stretch of Iowa, including dozens of counties from the north to the southern tier. Areas included range from Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Palo Alto, Hancock, and Cerro Gordo in northern Iowa, down through central counties such as Polk, Dallas, Story, Marshall, Jasper, and Poweshiek, and into southern counties including Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne, Appanoose, and Davis.
Meteorologists say the advisory was issued due to a combination of extremely low temperatures and persistent winds, which together will drive wind chill values into a range that can quickly become life-threatening.
Cities and Communities Impacted
Major population centers are expected to feel the brunt of the cold, including Des Moines, Ames, Iowa Falls, Mason City, Waterloo, Marshalltown, Fort Dodge, Carroll, Newton, Grinnell, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pella, and Indianola. Numerous smaller towns and rural communities across the region are also included in the advisory area.
Even brief trips outdoors could be dangerous, particularly overnight when temperatures are expected to bottom out and winds remain steady.
Frostbite Risk and Timing
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills in the -30 to -35 range can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The most hazardous period is expected to be late Saturday night through early Sunday morning, when wind chills reach their lowest values.
Health officials warn that fingers, toes, ears, and noses are especially vulnerable, and the risk increases for anyone without proper cold-weather gear. Children, older adults, and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk during extreme cold events.
Safety Recommendations for Residents
Emergency management officials are urging Iowans to take the advisory seriously and prepare ahead of time. Residents are advised to wear multiple layers of warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, and to cover all exposed skin when going outside.
People should limit time outdoors, especially overnight, and bring pets inside to prevent cold-related injuries. Officials also recommend checking on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone without adequate heating.
Home safety is another concern during periods of extreme cold. Residents are reminded to use space heaters properly, keep them away from flammable materials, and never use grills or generators indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Travel and Outdoor Activity Concerns
While widespread snowfall is not the main concern with this advisory, the cold itself can still impact travel. Vehicles may have difficulty starting, and anyone stranded outdoors or in an unheated vehicle could face dangerous conditions very quickly.
Drivers are encouraged to keep emergency kits in their vehicles, including blankets, warm clothing, food, water, and a fully charged phone, especially if traveling overnight.
What to Expect Next
Temperatures are expected to gradually improve later Sunday as winds ease and the cold air begins to shift eastward. However, officials caution that winter conditions remain unpredictable, and residents should continue monitoring forecasts for any additional advisories or warnings.
The National Weather Service continues to update conditions and urges residents to stay informed through official weather alerts and local emergency channels.
As Iowa braces for this intense cold snap, taking precautions now can help prevent injuries and keep families safe. Share your experiences in the comments below.