Winter Weather

Iowa experiences many of winter storms and wintry precipitation events. The state is susceptible to blizzards, which are intense winter storms with heavy snowfall, winds of at least 35 miles per hour, and very low visibility.

The average annual amounts of snowfall totals vary across the state. Locations in the Southern Iowa Drift Plainsless usually report less than 30 inches of snow, while the northern portions of the state can observe over 45 inches of snow. Variations in snowfall occur both seasonally and from place to place, causing some locations to get more or less than their typical average amount of snowfall.

Regardless of location, sub-zero temperatures and wind chills are possible throughout the state during the winter months.

Source: Midwest Regional Climate Center