Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents are being advised to prepare for a stretch of unsettled winter weather as multiple Alberta Clippers may bring pop-up snowstorms every other day from Saturday, December 7, through Friday, December 13, according to early forecasts. The setup may lead to repeated travel challenges across central and northern Iowa and the broader Upper Midwest.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a strengthening northwest flow will steer several clipper-type disturbances across the region through next week. These quick-hitting systems—collectively known as the “Clipper Express”—can produce short-lived but impactful bursts of snow, gusty winds, and rapid temperature swings.
The first system is expected to move into Iowa Saturday night, with additional clippers likely to follow in 48-hour intervals. While snowfall totals remain uncertain, forecasters say even brief accumulations may create slick roads, particularly around Des Moines, Ames, and communities along the I-35 corridor.
Meteorologists emphasize that the track of each clipper is still unclear, and minor shifts could determine which parts of Iowa receive the most snow. Because these systems develop quickly, the NWS says residents should anticipate evolving forecasts throughout the December 7–13 window.
Travel impacts could extend across a wide portion of the state—from Sioux City and Fort Dodge to Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Davenport—as Iowa sits beneath an active jet stream pattern favorable for recurring disturbances.
The NWS encourages residents to monitor official updates as details become clearer, noting that timing and intensity may shift with each approaching wave.
