Des Moines, IA – An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for parts of Iowa, with wind chills expected to plummet as low as -35°F overnight. The warning is in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday, while a Cold Weather Advisory remains active until noon Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Des Moines, affected areas include Adair, Adams, Cass, Taylor, Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, and Guthrie counties. Wind chills could reach -26°F by midday Wednesday, worsening to -35°F overnight.
These conditions pose a severe frostbite and hypothermia risk, with exposed skin potentially freezing in just 10 minutes. Officials urge residents to dress in layers, limit outdoor exposure, and check on vulnerable individuals. Pets should be kept indoors whenever possible.
The extreme cold may also impact travel and heating systems, increasing demand for electricity and propane. The NWS advises caution with space heaters and warns against using generators or grills indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
For updates and safety tips, monitor local weather sources and follow emergency preparedness guidelines.
