7-day Weather Forecast - Dr. Justin Glisan Temperature:

• Above average temperatures in the 50s and 60s
• Temperature gradient across the state

Precipitation:

• Quieter weather pattern after an active March
• Windy conditions expected

Climate Forecast - Madelynn Wuestenberg 6-10 day (April 15-19): Temperature:

• Leaning below normal temperatures along the eastern part of the state
• Near normal temperatures for the rest of the state

Precipitation:

• Southeast edge of the state leaning slightly above normal
• The rest of the state near normal precipitation

8-14 day (April 17-23): Temperature:

• Eastern part of the state: near normal temperature conditions
• Western half of the state: 33-40% chance of leaning above normal temperatures

Precipitation:

• Most of the state near normal precipitation

3-4 week (April 19-May 2): Temperature:

• Equal chances for above, below, or near normal temperatures

Precipitation:

• Equal chances for above, below, or near normal precipitation

Normal Weather Context for This Time of Year:

• Temperature: Low 60s for daytime highs, upper 30s for overnight lows
• Precipitation: About 1/10 of an inch per day (doubling by the end of the month)

Recent Weather Events - Madelynn Wuestenberg Temperature:

• March was the 9th warmest on record (based on 153 years of records)
• Recent cold snap with temperatures as low as 18°F in Audubon

Precipitation/Severe Weather:

• First tornado of the year near Wilton, IA (EF0, traveled almost 2 miles)
• Localized heavy snowfall in March (band from north of Omaha through Mason City)
• More snow from March 20th event than the entire December-February winter period

Specialty Crops Impacts

• Strawberry blossoms likely damaged if left uncovered during recent cold snap (temperatures reached 18-25°F)
• Magnolia trees in Des Moines showing brown flowers from frost damage
• Some growers reporting issues with greenhouse transplants showing death to cotyledons or stunting
• Soil conditions have been dry enough for field work preparation
• Innovative approach: A grower in Louisa County burned down terminated cover crop to create a blackened field that would absorb more solar radiation, potentially keeping the soil warmer for sweet corn seeds

Other Weather/Climate Discussion Topics

• ENSO Status: Last La Niña advisory with significant chances for ENSO neutral conditions developing
• Spring Barrier: Transition period where global teleconnections (like ENSO) have less influence on local weather
• Windiness: Iowa experiencing second windiest spring on record due to three strong low-pressure systems in March
• April is climatologically the windiest month for Iowa

This Day in Iowa Weather History - Dr. Justin Glisan:

On April 10, 1930, very warm weather pushed temperatures to 96°F at Clarinda, making it the earliest date of the year on which such a temperature has ever been recorded in Iowa. Other high temperatures included 95°F at Thurman, 94°F at Atlantic, 93°F at Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and 92°F in Des Moines, Dubuque and Keokuk. At many locations, this remains the earliest date on record of temperatures in the 90s.