Weather
Iowa Winter 2026-27: Des Moines, 35.9-Inch Snow History
IOWA – Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Sioux City face a winter outlook favoring warmer than normal temperatures, but Iowa's snowfall history shows why significant winter weather remains possi
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-20T10:10:02.945Z
IOWA – Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Sioux City face a winter outlook favoring warmer than normal temperatures, but Iowa's snowfall history shows why significant winter weather remains possible. The state's historical weather station average is approximately 35.9 inches of snow annually. Even during El Niño winters, snowstorms, dangerous Arctic cold and highway disruptions can continue through March.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA , its October 15, 2026, outlook favors above normal temperatures across Iowa for December 2026 through February 2027, with probabilities generally ranging from 40% to 50%. The precipitation outlook places much of Iowa in an equal chances category, meaning no clear preference for above , near or below normal precipitation. These seasonal outlooks do not predict snowfall totals.
What Iowa's Snowfall History Actually Shows Iowa's 35.9 inch historical average reflects statewide weather station measurements rather than snowfall in Des Moines or any individual city.
Snowfall varies geographically, with northern communities including Mason City and Spencer generally experiencing more snow than southern locations near Ottumwa and Burlington.
NOAA historical snowfall maps covering 1950–2009 show that El Niño winters have generally favored below average snowfall across Iowa, particularly during stronger events.
However, those maps do not establish a directly comparable statewide El Niño snowfall average or percentage reduction.
Below average snowfall does not mean insignificant snowfall.
Why El Niño Doesn't Guarantee an Easy Winter El Niño influences Pacific Ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation, often shifting the jet stream and winter storm tracks.
For Iowa, those changes can reduce the frequency of certain snow producing systems without preventing powerful winter storms.
Arctic cold outbreaks, freezing rain and rapidly changing temperatures remain concerns, particularly when precipitation transitions between rain, sleet and snow.
Strong northwest winds can also produce dangerous blowing snow across Iowa's open agricultural landscape, even after snowfall ends.
What This Means Through March Motorists traveling Interstate 80 between Des Moines and Davenport, Interstate 35 through Ames and Mason City, and Interstate 29 near Sioux City and Council Bluffs should remain prepared for icy pavement, drifting snow and reduced visibility.
Rural highways can become particularly hazardous when strong winds accompany accumulating snow.
NOAA's December–February outlook does not include March 2027, when late season snowstorms and freezing temperatures remain possible.
El Niño changes Iowa's seasonal weather probabilities, but warmer conditions do not guarantee a snow free or disruption free winter.