From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s weekly weather summary released today. Information from the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, which is released weekly by the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service from April through November, was not available due to the federal government shutdown.

“Based on my observations while traveling around the state and the conversations I’m having with farmers, harvest appears to be nearly complete. That’s in line with the five-year average, which shows Iowa typically has about 98% of soybeans and 91% of corn harvested by mid-November,” Secretary Naig said. “There was a notable weather shift over the weekend as many parts of the state received the first snowfall of the season and snow blanketed much of northwest Iowa. Temperatures fell into the teens and low 20s across much of the state, marking the official end of the growing season. Looking ahead, forecasts call for warmer conditions and an increased chance of rainfall during the second half of the month.”

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The first snowfall of the season was reported across portions of Iowa late in the reporting period along with a nose-dive in temperatures. Much of the state observed rainfall as well, with above-normal moisture in northwest and eastern Iowa. Weekly conditions were still above normal with the statewide average temperature at 47.2 degrees, 3.4 degrees above normal.

Dry conditions prevailed from Sunday (2nd) afternoon through Thursday (6th) with daytime temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s over the span of days. Cloud cover increased over northern Iowa through Friday (7th) as a low pressure system approached the state from the Dakotas. Rain showers pushed into western Iowa on Saturday (8th) morning with snow showers developing over northwestern Iowa. Rain and snow continued across much of the state through the afternoon and evening hours with snow accumulating over northwestern Iowa. Strong northwesterly winds built in as the system exited Iowa into Sunday (9th) morning as temperatures plummeted into the teens and low 20s at most stations. More than 50 stations observed the first measurable snow of the season with totals ranging from 0.1 inch in Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) to 5.1 inches in Pocahontas (Pocahontas County). Rainfall totals were more widespread with general totals in the 0.25-0.50 inch range; stations in eastern Iowa recorded higher amounts with 0.96 inch in Long Grove (Scott County).

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.02 inch at Lamoni Municipal Airport (Decatur County) to 1.03 inches in Long Grove. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.28 inch, while the normal is 0.52 inch. Donnellson (Lee County) reported the week’s high temperature of 72 degrees on the 4ᵗʰ, 17 degrees above normal. Emmetsburg (Palo Alto County) and Sibley (Osceola County) recorded the week’s low temperature of 13 degrees on the 9th, on average 14 degrees below normal.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s weekly weather summary released today. Information from the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, which is released weekly by the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service from April through November, was not available due to the federal government shutdown.

“Based on crop progress reports published over the past five years, Iowa farmers typically have more than 96% of soybeans and 85% of corn harvested by the first week of November,” Secretary Naig said. “Wet weather, especially in western Iowa, kept many farmers out of the field for several days last week. Looking ahead, weather outlooks indicate warmer temperatures and a stretch of drier days ahead, which should allow many farmers to wrap up harvest soon.”

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Widespread rainfall returned to Iowa during the reporting period as much of western Iowa experienced unseasonably wet conditions. Temperatures were slightly above normal over portions of northern Iowa, with near-normal readings across the rest of the state. The statewide average temperature was 45.3 degrees, 0.8 degree above normal.

Cloudy skies prevailed over much of Iowa through Sunday (26ᵗʰ) afternoon, accompanied by east to east-southeasterly winds and temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s. Most of western Iowa experienced overnight cloud cover, which helped maintain Monday (27ᵗʰ) morning temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s; temperatures were in the upper 30s to low 40s in eastern Iowa where skies were clear. Mostly cloudy skies persisted across the state’s western half through Tuesday (28ᵗʰ), with daytime highs ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s from west to east. Light showers formed along a cold front that pushed into the state from the west after midnight. Showers increased in areal coverage through Wednesday (29ᵗʰ), with daytime highs reaching only the mid-40s to low 50s. Rain continued into the early morning hours on Thursday (30ᵗʰ) before dissipating around sunrise. Nearly 50 stations collected at least 1.00 inch of rainfall, with the highest totals found in west-central Iowa: Guthrie Center (Guthrie County) observed 1.20 inches, Fort Dodge recorded 1.27 inches, and Davis City (Decatur County) measured 1.51 inches. Most stations east and west of this swath collected at least 0.50 inch, with a statewide average total of 0.60 inch. Skies remained partly cloudy as gusty northerly winds diminished during the evening hours after daytime temperatures peaked in the mid-50s.

Friday (31ˢᵗ) dawned with fog in western Iowa and spotty frozen fog at northwestern stations where temperatures were in the upper 20s to low 30s; stations farther south and east remained in the mid- to upper 30s under clear skies. Winds gradually shifted northwesterly as a fast-moving cold front dropped across the state. Afternoon temperatures varied from the low 40s in the northwest to the mid-50s in the southeast, with isolated light showers over northern Iowa. Light rain continued into Saturday (1ˢᵗ) with morning lows in the 40s and generally overcast conditions. Rain and some sleet were reported through the afternoon and evening hours, with chilly highs in the 40s; Ames Municipal Airport (Story County) registered 0.19 inch. Starry skies returned on Sunday (2ⁿᵈ), with both regular and frozen fog observed in eastern Iowa where temperatures held in the upper 20s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.06 inch at Guttenberg Lock and Dam (Clayton County) to 1.60 inches in Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.70 inch, while the normal is 0.53 inch. Several stations reported the week’s high temperature of 68 degrees on the 26ᵗʰ, on average 11 degrees above normal. Allerton (Wayne County) recorded the week’s low temperature of 21 degrees on the 2ⁿᵈ, 13 degrees below normal.

Released by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s weekly weather summary released today. Information from the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, which is released weekly by the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service from April through November, was not available due to the federal government shutdown.

“Looking at the five-year average, Iowa typically has more than 90% of soybeans and three-quarters of corn harvested by the last week in October. The dry conditions have allowed farmers to push that pace, with farmers in some parts of the state wrapping up harvest and transitioning to other field work,” Secretary Naig said. “Much of Iowa also experienced the first hard freeze of the season as overnight temperatures dropped. Though scattered rain is possible in parts of the state this week, any pause in field work is likely to be short-lived. Outlooks indicate warmer and drier conditions returning as we head into November.”

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

After a six-week stretch of unseasonably warm temperatures, conditions moderated to near normal across much of Iowa during the reporting period. The first widespread frost and freeze event also occurred, with numerous stations reporting the end of the growing season. The statewide average temperature was 50.0 degrees Fahrenheit, which matches the 30-year climatological mean. Most of the state also experienced unseasonably dry conditions, with departures of more than 0.50 inch at many stations.

Gusty westerly winds subsided through Sunday (19ᵗʰ) afternoon under sunny skies, with daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s. Starry skies were visible into early Monday (20ᵗʰ) morning as winds shifted to a southerly direction and temperatures remained in the 40s statewide. A cold front associated with a low-pressure center moving across northern Minnesota gradually crossed the state, producing light showers. Afternoon temperatures reached the upper 50s behind the front, while cloud cover in eastern Iowa held readings in the upper 60s and low 70s. Skies cleared by midnight as winds returned to a westerly direction, though clouds redeveloped by sunrise on Tuesday (21ˢᵗ). Rain totals from the system were generally light, with the highest amounts in northeastern Iowa; Lansing (Allamakee County) recorded 0.10 inch, while Waterloo (Black Hawk County) observed 0.16 inch. Many stations farther south and west reported less than 0.10 inch. Strong northwesterly winds developed through the day as low stratus clouds blanketed the state, producing chilly temperatures ranging from the upper 40s in the north to the mid 50s in the south. Mason City Municipal Airport (Cerro Gordo County) registered a 53-mph gust, with sustained winds in the 20- to 30-mph range statewide. A few light showers wrapped in behind the low-pressure system, bringing additional totals under 0.10 inch to northeastern stations. Clouds lingered over eastern Iowa into Wednesday (22ⁿᵈ), with the rest of the state under clear skies. Morning lows dropped below freezing on a widespread basis for the first time this season; stations in western and northern Iowa reported temperatures in the mid 20s, with Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) recording 25 degrees — ten degrees below normal. Afternoon conditions were calm as high pressure dominated the Upper Midwest, with highs in the low 50s across northern Iowa and up to ten degrees warmer in the south.

Thursday (23ʳᵈ) began chilly, as 35 stations recorded temperatures at or below 28 degrees — the threshold for a killing freeze. The statewide average low was 30 degrees, seven degrees below normal under mostly clear skies. Daytime highs rose into the upper 50s and low 60s as northwesterly winds lightened and ample sunshine prevailed. Easterly winds developed on Friday (24ᵗʰ) morning, accompanied by pockets of frozen fog in northeastern Iowa. Temperatures held in the upper 20s across northern stations and the upper 30s farther south; stations in extreme southwest Iowa reported upper 40s under cloudy skies. Daytime conditions were near seasonal, with increasing cloud cover across western Iowa and southeasterly winds. Overcast conditions persisted into Saturday (25ᵗʰ), with overnight lows in the upper 40s and low 50s—much warmer than during previous mornings. Scattered showers developed across a north-central corridor of Iowa later in the evening and continued overnight, yielding 0.10 inch in Mason City and 0.35 inch in Osage (Mitchell County). Cloudiness continued into Sunday (26ᵗʰ), with lows ranging from the mid- to upper 40s statewide.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no measurable accumulation in western and southern Iowa to 0.44 inch in Osage. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.01 inch, compared with a normal of 0.63 inch. Clarinda (Page County) reported the week’s highest temperature of 74 degrees on the 19ᵗʰ, ten degrees above normal. Vinton (Benton County) recorded the week’s lowest temperature of 21 degrees on the 24ᵗʰ, thirteen degrees below normal.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s weekly weather summary released today. Information from the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, which is released weekly by the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service from April through November, was not available due to the federal government shutdown. 

“With only light rain in parts of the state last week, the warm temperatures provided another wide window for farmers to continue steady harvest progress. Looking at the past five years of reported averages, Iowa farmers have harvested about 85% of soybeans and 60% of corn by this point in the season. Based on what I am hearing from farmers around the state, we are on pace this year and maybe even a little ahead of schedule,” Secretary Naig said. “While northern Iowa may see the first widespread freeze of the season this week, warmer temperatures with more chances of rain remain in the forecast through the end of October.” 

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Unseasonable warmth persisted across the state, with the warmest conditions occurring over Iowa’s southern half, where temperatures were up to 14 degrees above normal. The statewide average temperature was 61.4 degrees, 10.4 degrees above normal. Most stations reported measurable rain, with above-normal precipitation observed across portions of eastern Iowa.

Light rain showers associated with a cold front crossed Iowa through the afternoon and evening of Sunday (12th), accompanied by blustery southeasterly winds and highs ranging from the upper 80s in the west to the mid-70s in the east. Numerous stations observed measurable totals, though most received less than 0.10 inch; Sully (Jasper County) collected 0.11 inch. Winds shifted to a northwesterly direction behind the front as clouds cleared from west to east, with Monday (13th) morning temperatures in the upper 30s in the northwest. Ahead of the front, temperatures were in the low to mid-60s under clear skies. Gusty winds persisted through the day as temperatures varied from the upper 70s in the southeast to the mid-60s in the northwest. Clouds returned to the state overnight as an upper-level disturbance transited the Upper Midwest. Showers developed across much of western Iowa, spreading into northern Iowa after sunrise on Tuesday (14th). Rainfall continued through the daylight hours, with highs in the low to mid-50s across the northern two-thirds of the state; readings were 10 to 15 degrees warmer over southern Iowa, where partly sunny conditions prevailed. Additional showers moved into west-central Iowa after midnight, advancing into central and eastern Iowa several hours later. Event rainfall totals were highest in northwest and central Iowa, with amounts exceeding 0.50 inch; three stations in Le Mars (Plymouth County) reported totals from 1.00 to 1.03 inches, and Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) measured 0.88 inch. Scattered showers continued through Wednesday (15th) over much of northern Iowa, accompanied by easterly winds and daytime highs in the 50s.

Isolated thundershowers developed in the early hours of Thursday (16th) before pushing into eastern Iowa by daybreak. Northeastern stations recorded the greatest rainfall, ranging from 0.50 inch in Dubuque (Dubuque County) to 0.93 inch in Elkader (Clayton County). Stations across most of the remaining areas of the state reported amounts ranging from 0.10 to 0.30 inch. Blustery southerly winds strengthened through the afternoon, raising temperatures into the 70s under sunny skies. Light rain was reported in northwestern Iowa before sunrise on Friday (17th) as a weak cold front moved southeast across the state. A narrow line of thunderstorms developed during the late afternoon in west-central Iowa before intensifying into the evening hours. Additional and more widespread thunderstorms formed over southeastern Iowa after sunset and persisted into Saturday (18th) morning, with most stations receiving at least 0.30 inch. Burlington Municipal Airport (Des Moines County) measured 1.13 inches, and Drakesville (Davis County) reported 1.35 inches. A secondary cold front crossed the state during the remainder of the day, bringing light rain to many stations. The boundary exited the state by 7:00 a.m. on Sunday (19th) under clear skies, gusty northwesterly winds, and lows ranging from the upper 30s in the northwest to the upper 40s in the southeast. Three stations along the state line reported the highest totals, with 1.00 inch in Camanche (Clinton County) and 1.24 inches in Keokuk (Lee County).

Weekly rain totals ranged from a trace in Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County) and Red Oak (Montgomery County) to 1.58 inches in Burlington. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.55 inch, compared with a normal of 0.65 inch. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 87 degrees on the 12th, 21 degrees above normal. Sibley (Osceola County) recorded the week’s low temperature of 34 degrees on the 19th, one degree below normal.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s weekly weather summary released today. Information from the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, which is released weekly by the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service from April through November, was not available due to the federal government shutdown. 

“Based on the crop progress reports published over the past five years, Iowa farmers typically have about two-thirds of the soybeans and one-third of the corn harvested statewide by mid-October. As I’ve visited with farmers, driven through rural parts of the state, and spent several days in the field on our family farm in northwest Iowa, it seems that harvest is about where we’d expect this time of year,” Secretary Naig said. “Looking ahead, rain chances remain in the forecast through the end of the month. Farmers will continue to push forward with harvest, cover crop seeding and other field work as the weather allows.”   

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship 

While not as warm as the previous week, temperatures across Iowa remained four to six degrees above normal, with a statewide average temperature of 61.4 degrees, 5.3 degrees above the 30-year climatological mean. Widespread rainfall also returned to the state, with southwestern stations observing positive departures ranging from 1.00 to 2.00 inches, while northwestern stations experienced the driest conditions.

A cold front swept across Iowa on Sunday (5ᵗʰ) afternoon, bringing measurable rainfall to many reporting stations statewide. A southwest-to-northeast swath of stations recorded the highest amounts, with more than 50 stations observing 1.00 inch or greater. Several stations in southwestern and central Iowa observed totals exceeding 2.00 inches; Boone (Boone County) registered 2.02 inches, while Red Oak (Montgomery County) reported 2.50 inches. Totals northwest and southeast of the swath ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 inch, with a statewide average of 0.41 inch. Overcast conditions persisted into Monday (6ᵗʰ) as rain showers continued over the southeastern half of the state. Morning temperatures varied from the mid 40s in the northwest, where skies were clear, to the low 60s in the southeast, ahead of the cold front. Light to moderate rain persisted into the evening hours, with southern and eastern stations recording additional totals from 0.25 to 0.75 inch; Davenport (Scott County) received 1.00 inch, and Pacific Junction (Mills County) recorded 1.54 inches. Skies cleared across most of Iowa by Tuesday (7ᵗʰ), with temperatures in the mid-30s across northwestern stations and up to 20 degrees warmer in southeastern Iowa, where cloud cover remained. High pressure dominated the Upper Midwest as winds shifted to a northerly direction throughout the daylight hours, under sunny skies and with highs in the mid to upper 60s.

Wednesday (8ᵗʰ) began with chilly temperatures across northern Iowa, with readings in the mid to upper 30s at numerous stations. Winds became variable by afternoon, and daytime temperatures rose into the upper 60s and low 70s. Cloud cover increased over western Iowa on Thursday (9ᵗʰ) as another weak cold front approached the state. Afternoon temperatures reached the 70s, and southerly winds became gusty into the evening hours. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms developed over central Iowa, expanding northeast and southwest along the advancing front. The convective complex moved southeast and exited the state by sunrise on Friday (10ᵗʰ). Rainfall totals were widespread across southeastern Iowa, with the highest amounts recorded in south-central areas; Lamoni (Decatur County) observed 0.55 inch, Osceola (Clarke County) reported 0.80 inch and Allerton (Wayne County) received 1.22 inches. Skies cleared behind the front, accompanied by brisk northwesterly winds and afternoon temperatures in the 70s. Overnight lows fell into the 40s statewide as light easterly winds developed. Saturday (11ᵗʰ) was a pleasant, sunny day with blustery southeasterly winds, low humidity and temperatures ranging from the upper 60s north to the mid 70s south. Partly cloudy conditions developed on Sunday (12ᵗʰ) as winds strengthened ahead of an approaching system over western Iowa. Morning lows ranged from the low 50s in the southeast to the low 60s in the northwest.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation at multiple northwest stations to 3.00 inches in Red Oak and Shenandoah (Page County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.63 inch, slightly below the normal of 0.65 inch. Several stations reported the week’s high temperature of 88 degrees on the 5th, on average 21 degrees above normal. Sioux Center (Sioux County) recorded the week’s low temperature of 31 degrees on the 7ᵗʰ, 12 degrees below normal.