Des Moines, IA – Iowa is entering a volatile winter pattern from December 18–24, with NOAA’s 8–14 Day Outlook showing above-normal precipitation and temperatures ranging from near-normal in the north to above-normal in the south. This setup increases the likelihood of snow, freezing rain, and mixed precipitation, especially leading into Christmas Eve.
According to NOAA, northern Iowa—including Mason City, Decorah, Spencer, and the I-90 region—sits closest to the cooler-temperature trend. This region is most likely to see accumulating snow, with the possibility of moderate totals between December 20–23 as multiple systems move through the Midwest.
Central Iowa—including Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, and Fort Dodge—lies in the zone with the highest freezing-rain risk. Temperatures are expected to hover near freezing during early phases of storms from December 19–21, creating opportunities for light glaze ice, especially overnight and during early commutes.
Southern Iowa—including Ottumwa, Council Bluffs, and Osceola—leans warmer, favoring cold rain early in the period. However, colder air moving in December 22–24 could transition late precipitation to wet snow just before Christmas Eve.
Major travel routes—including I-80, I-35, I-29, and U.S. 20—may face slick roads, icy bridges, and reduced visibility, particularly from December 21 through Christmas Eve.
