Des Moines, IA – Snow is expected to return to Iowa later Thursday, with accumulating snowfall and gusty winds potentially impacting travel into early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, accumulating snow is most likely across northern Iowa, where the probability of at least one inch of snowfall ranges from around 40% to 60% in several communities, including Mason City, Fort Dodge and Storm Lake.
Forecasters say snow will begin developing around midday Thursday and continue into Friday morning. Gusty winds may reduce visibility at times as the snow falls, creating periods of blowing snow.
While exact totals remain uncertain, meteorologists note that initial melting could occur before colder air settles in. The precise location of the heaviest snow band is also still in question.
The system follows a day of gusty winds and critical fire weather conditions, marking a sharp shift back to winter conditions across the state.
