Des Moines, IA – While Iowa sits in a near-normal temperature and precipitation pattern heading into the December 13–26 holiday stretch, that does not close the door on a white Christmas — especially with the Midwest storm track active this time of year, according to new NOAA long-range outlooks.
NOAA’s maps show Iowa positioned in a “Near Normal” zone for both precipitation and temperatures during the second half of December. This neutral pattern doesn’t lean heavily toward a snowy or mild setup, but history shows Iowa often sees holiday snow chances when individual storm systems align with pockets of colder air.
According to NOAA meteorologists, the state’s central position in the Midwest storm corridor means that even in near-normal patterns, Iowa can flip quickly into wintry conditions. A strong low-pressure system tracking through the Plains can pull down colder air and generate snow bands across the state — particularly along and north of I-80.
Cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Davenport, Sioux City, and the northern tier have all recorded Christmas-week snow events during neutral climate patterns. The biggest wildcard is timing: a single storm passing between December 18–24, historically an active period across the central U.S., could deliver accumulating snow and travel impacts.
With temperatures projected to hover near seasonal averages, even modest dips tied to passing fronts could determine whether precipitation falls as rain or snow. Areas across northern Iowa and communities closer to Minnesota naturally have higher odds, but central and even southern Iowa can still see Christmas snow if the right system develops.
Forecasters stress that while no specific storms can be predicted yet, the broader setup still leaves Iowa with genuine snow potential as Christmas approaches.
Residents should watch for updated forecasts beginning mid-December as storm track clarity improves.
