Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa is settling into a prolonged and dangerous stretch of winter weather as Arctic air tightens its grip across the state, with little indication of meaningful relief through early to mid-February. Temperatures are expected to plunge this weekend, with overnight lows falling well below zero statewide and daytime highs struggling to recover, creating hazardous conditions for travel, infrastructure, and daily life.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, long-range outlooks from late January through mid-February strongly favor much below normal temperatures across the central Plains and Midwest. This same Arctic pattern is driving extreme cold farther north, where parts of Minnesota are facing life-threatening lows near minus 60 degrees, while reinforcing persistent subzero air across Iowa.
The cold brings multiple hazards statewide. Periodic snow and blowing snow are possible, especially across northern and western Iowa, while rapid temperature drops increase the risk of icy roads on I-35, I-80, I-29, U.S. 20, and secondary routes. The extreme cold also raises concerns about frost quakes, frozen pipes, vehicle failures, and strain on power and heating systems.
Looking ahead, only brief and limited temperature moderation is expected at times, with no sustained warm-up likely before mid-February. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, prepare homes and vehicles for extreme cold, and stay alert for additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts as this prolonged Arctic outbreak remains firmly in place.
