Iowa – A wintry mix of snow and ice is moving into central and northern Iowa this Thursday, setting up a slippery and slow evening commute across much of the state. As of midmorning, light precipitation is spreading northeastward, with temperatures hovering near freezing and conditions expected to worsen after 3 p.m.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from noon to midnight, calling for 2–3 inches of snow and a light glaze of ice across the advisory zone, which includes Ames, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids. Even small shifts in temperature could mean the difference between a light dusting and hazardous ice buildup.
Roads are expected to turn slick quickly after sunset as temperatures fall into the 20s. The most hazardous travel window will stretch from late afternoon through early evening, particularly along Interstate 35 and I-80, where snow and freezing drizzle may combine to create reduced visibility and icy spots.
Meteorologists emphasize caution: “Even a degree or two colder can make a big difference,” the NWS notes. Motorists should slow down, allow extra braking distance, and keep headlights on in snowy or foggy conditions.
