DES MOINES, Iowa — An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect across much of Iowa through noon CST Friday, as dangerously cold wind chills continue to pose serious health risks, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said wind chills early Friday dropped as low as 35 to 40 degrees below zero across parts of central, northern and southern Iowa. At those levels, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, officials warned.
After the warning expires at midday, a Cold Weather Advisory will remain in effect from noon Friday until 3 a.m. CST Saturday, with wind chills still expected to reach 25 to 30 degrees below zero overnight.
The cold alert covers a broad area including Des Moines, Ames, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Marshalltown, Boone, Carroll, Ottumwa, Newton, Grinnell, Atlantic, Creston, Indianola, Oskaloosa and Spencer, along with dozens of surrounding communities.
The National Weather Service urged residents to limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing including hats, gloves and face coverings, and use caution while traveling. Officials also advised drivers to prepare for vehicle issues related to extreme cold and encouraged residents to check on elderly neighbors and family members.
Temperatures are expected to gradually moderate Saturday as Arctic air slowly moves east, though below-normal conditions are likely to persist into the weekend.
Additional updates are available at weather.gov/dmx.
