Key Points
- Widespread chances for freeze across the Midwest on Monday night
- Dryness is expected to continue, and drought expansion is likely
Frost on the way
On October 7, cool temperatures crept in overnight. Some areas in western Iowa briefly reached temperatures as low as 28 degrees, particularly in valley regions, where lower elevations collected colder, denser air. This event, however, was not widespread and remained isolated to low-lying areas. Dry, cloudless nights allow for cooler overnight temperatures.
The average first freeze date in Story County is today, October 9th. While Story County did not have a freeze event before the average date, chances for a freeze are on the way. The Weather Prediction Center Day 3-7 Hazards Outlook shows widespread chances for frost/freeze across the Midwest for Monday night into Tuesday morning (October 14-15). Across the state, temperatures are forecast to be in the low 30s and mid to high 20s. Some key areas to note are forecasts of 26 degrees in Harlan, Denison, and Mason City. Low-lying areas and valleys will be most susceptible to low temperatures. However, freezing temperatures are expected to be widespread.
Climate Outlook
Despite the event coming Monday, the overall temperature trend has been above average. The average daily temperature has been 3-6 degrees above normal in the past seven days. The Climate Prediction Center outlook shows a warm and dry signal is expected to continue through October. Remember that cold events can still occur even when the overall temperature signal is above average.
Notable
Warm temperatures, wind, and little moisture create perfect fire conditions. Current outlooks show no respite from dry conditions, and drought expansion is likely in Iowa. This article provides tips for fire prevention and safety during harvest.
