Des Moines, IA – Iowans are bracing for another bitterly cold night as temperatures drop into the single digits across central portions of the state, with wind chills expected to fall as low as 15 degrees below zero by early Sunday.
According to the US National Weather Service in Des Moines, breezy overnight conditions will make it feel significantly colder, especially across northern and central Iowa. The coldest wind chills — ranging from -5° to -15° — are forecast through Sunday morning, Feb. 22.
Cities including Estherville, Mason City, Algona and Fort Dodge could see wind chills near -12° to -14°, while Des Moines, Ames and Grinnell are expected to dip near -8° to -12°. Eastern Iowa communities such as Cedar Rapids and Davenport may experience wind chills between -3° and -10°.
While no widespread winter storm is expected, the combination of cold air and wind increases the risk of frostbite with prolonged outdoor exposure. Officials urge residents to dress in layers, limit time outside, and ensure pets have proper shelter.
Drivers heading out early Sunday morning should prepare for bitter conditions, especially when waiting for vehicles to warm up or walking across parking lots and sidewalks.
The cold snap follows an already frigid stretch across the Midwest this week, with overnight lows consistently falling below seasonal averages.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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