Toasty Tuesday

We are going to be close to record highs today! Des Moines' record is 74. It was set in 2005. It was already 50 at 6:00 this morning.

The gusty SSW and sunny sky will get us to 60 before noon.

There is a high fire danger today. No one should be doing any controlled burns.

Yesterday a controlled burn in Webster County created zero visibility along Highway 20. Over 30 cars and trucks were involved in to huge crashes because the smoke was so thick.

The wind today would allow any fire to quickly get out of control. Wild fires are the danger today.

Have a great day! Enjoy the spring fever.

Follow along on Twitter @EdWilsonWX13HD

March 2 Tornado Count and Coverage

Over 98 tornadoes were reported yesterday with the massive storm track that started in Indiana and ran east covering most of the eastern US.

Check out the breath of the storm reports. The pinpoints 15 states.

The pictures are from our sister station WHNT in Huntsville, AL.

You can see the massive tornado and the damage that was left behind in the northern Alabama area.

This afternoon the death count was up to 31. More than half came from Kentucky. Marysville, IN is described as being completely wiped off the map.

The most amazing report came in this afternoon. A baby was found all by herself in an Indiana field. The baby was taken to a local hospital and listed in critical condition. The family is with the baby now. The child was found 10 miles from the family home!

This will go down as one of the most deadly March storms. These huge tornadoes are not expected this time of year and very seldom are this strong in states like Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

The largest tornadoes were classified as EF4 and EF5. For the first time there was a tornado emergency warning. This is a new classification of tornado warning...one step above the warning that means large metro areas are in immediate danger of large tornadoes.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Our weekend is going to be windy. Highs will be remain in the middle 30s today...cooler than average.
Tomorrow we will have a chance for light snow morning... then rain showers by the afternoon. The map shows the low will slide just to the south of Iowa. Highs tomorrow will make it to the lower 40s.
It will be much warmer next week.


Check out Brett McIntyre's evening forecast and Megan Salois for early morning weather coverage tomorrow.

As always...follow along on Twitter. @EdWilsonWX13HD

Wind Advisory Wednesday

There is a wind advisory in effect for most of the state from 6AM to 6PM today.

The wind will start to roar out of the west at 20 to 30 mph. Gusts will reach 40 to 50 mph.

A wind advisory is issued when there are sustained winds of 25–39 miles per hour (40–63 km/h) and/or gusts to 57 miles per hour (92 km/h).

Drivers should be aware that high-profile vehicles could be swerving through the high wind today.

Also.. bad day for garbage pick-up. A day when the garbage and garbage cans of others may become part of your front yard.

Stay tuned on Channel 13.2 for the latest weather updates.
Follow along with the latest weather updates on twitter @EdWilsonWX13HD.

Strong Storms Tonight...Feels/Looks Like Spring

Storms have been moving through the state tonight. We have seen strong wind, heavy downpours and lightning. In Audubon County there was a report of 1/2 inch diameter hail.

This looked much more like a spring storm outbreak than weather we normally see in February.

The storms were moving at 55 mph to the northeast as I tracked them during the 10PM news.

The lightning strikes were topping 600 an hour between 10 and 11 PM.


There are reports of major damage near Topeka, KS from a tornado touching down tonight. The little town of Harveyville had search and rescue teams combing the debris. There were reports of "walking wounded" trying to find family and first aid.

Much more on that on the NBC news today.

Follow along with all the latest weather news on Channel 13.2 and as always on twitter @EdWilsonWX13HD

Storm Warning Update, Totals, Photos and Kids

We have seen a lot of rain in Des Moines today. There is a winter weather advisory for our area...and a winter storm warning for central and NW Iowa tonight. The counties in pink indicate the winter storm warning for Iowa tonight. Des Moines is under a winter weather advisory.

The heavy snow and gusty wind will make travel difficult tonight. Expect reduced visibilities and icy roads.

We are going to see the rain switch completely to snow by 8PM. Snow has been falling in much of northwest Iowa through the day.

This is a photolink sent to us by Nick Stover in Orange City. That is near Sac City in NW Iowa. By 3:00 this afternoon they had about 3 inches of snow on the ground.

We would love to see your pictures on Channel 13HD. Get to the web and upload them right here: www.whotv.com/weather/who-weather-photolink,0,6687110.framedurl


The snowfall totals map shows the line of heavier snow that is expected in the NW corner of the state. We will see 1" to 3" of snow in Des Moines. Even though this is very heavy snow...the wind will increase to around 30 mph this evening. Blowing snow will reduce visibilities. Icy roads are going to creep closer to Des Moines overnight.

I expect there will be some schools that either delay or cancel their classes tomorrow morning. Most of the classroom disruption will be north of Des Moines.

As always...stay up to date with the storm by watching Channel 13.2...the only 24 hour local weather channel in Des Moines. And you can get the latest on the storm and other stuff by following along on twitter @EdWilsonWX13HD.

Fun Stuff

I had the great opportunity to be the guest reader at Eason Elementary in Waukee this morning. Mrs Schneiter is one of the 3rd grade teachers at Eason. She was my son's teacher when he was at Eason. Today she had a great group of kids who listened to Mr. Ed read "Is That A Stinky Cat in Your Backpack?"

WINTER STORM WARNING

A winter storm is moving toward Iowa and making for a very hectic forecasting period.

The last 6 hours the forecast models have changed the forecast track and snow depths over the state.

During the 10PM news. 10:14 to be exact. The weather service threw out the winter storm watch and issued a winter storm warning for Des Moines. Changing their forecast for little to no snow...and upping the totals to 5"-10"+ of snow for Des Moines and points north.

The timing was terrible for our 10PM weather. We were able to update the warning...but it was close.

To clear up any confusion....we do our own forecasting....but the NWS issues all watches and warnings. It is our duty to pass the NWS warnings and watches along to you.

All our forecasts were keeping the heaviest snow to the north of Des Moines. I still think we will see some snow...but the largest snowfall is expected to be in the Highway 30 to Highway 20 corridor.

Here is the snow total map from the NWS. The feel the heaviest snow will fall closer to Des Moines.

Our latest forecast ... is showing more snow in the area closer to Highway 20. It does look like there is a chance for heavy snow over 2" per hour in that area of the state.

The biggest factor to seeing heavy snow...or no snow is the timing of the colder air. It looks like heavier rainfall will continue through the noon hour. Northern Iowa could see the switch to snow by early afternoon. We will see the change to snow later in the day.

This is a storm with heavy moisture. One to watch through the day.

Expect many updates on the storm. Channel 13.2 will give you 24/7 updates.
Watch Today In Iowa at 5AM.
Always follow along on Twitter @EdWilsonWX13HD

Winter Storm... We'll See

There is a Winter Storm Watch for northern and northeastern Iowa early tomorrow morning through tomorrow evening.

This storm has very little certainty as each model made it look like a yo-yo. One day the storm was targeting Minnesota...the next Iowa.

Here is the latest expected snowfall.


There is a potential for 6 to 8 inches of snow from Mason City to Waterloo. This is not something you should bet the bank on tonight.

We are expecting light rain to fall over central Iowa. The rain will change to snow in northern Iowa late in the day Thursday. If you live south of Ames...you won't notice winter weather.

We'll wait and see what happens with this guy, then focus on another storm for the middle of next week. Girl's State Basketball!

Follow along on twitter. @EdWilsonWX13HD.

Moisture, Spring Blooms and Eagles

The snow and rain that fell over the state yesterday was welcomed by most. We need to soak up every inch of rainfall and snow melt.

Most of the state is considered to be in a moderate to severe drought. The map from the Iowa State University Agronomy Department shows most of the moisture fell over the western 1/2 of Iowa. It was primarily rain.

There is very little frost in the soil south of Highway 30. This will allow the moisture to seep into the ground. Usually the snow melt is run-off this time of the year.


We had this picture of crocuses sent to our photolink file yesterday. Annette Johnson sent this hope for spring from Pella. I was expecting tulips.

The picture is perfect...love to see the flowers but my concern is for freezing temperatures in March. We have mild weather right now...but there is good chance for cold air to snap into the area next week.
The frost and freeze could destroy many a garden with early blooms.


More signs of spring. The Eagles in Decorah are watching over a couple eggs in their nifty nest. This picture of the second egg was sent to our photolink file as the snow was falling over the eagle camera.
You can see the live stream of the nest on this link.
http://www.whotv.com/who-decorah-eagle-nest-cam-20120105,0,1147216.htmlstory

Enjoy the sunshine today. It will be windy, but high will again make it up to the middle 40s. I expect we will be close to 50 tomorrow.
Colder temperatures are back for the end of the week.

Follow along on Twitter for the latest updates @EdWilsonWX13HD
See you on the air tonight.

Warm Winter

This graph from Iowa State University shows just how warm this winter has been in Des Moines.

Daryl Harzmann works out of the Agronomy Building on the ISU campus and puts together some of the most detailed and interesting weather facts imaginable for central Iowa.

The recent graph of climate information shows the departure from the average temperatures this season.

From Daryl: "The featured chart is another illustration of how warm this winter has
been. The chart shows the number of days this winter season that the
low temperature has been at or below a given temperature threshold.
The blue line represents the minimum total for any year prior to this
year. The teal line is this winter and it closely hugs or exceeds the
previous minimum at some thresholds. The overall minimum temperature
has only been 1 degree this year, which would be the warmest on record
if it stands for the rest of winter. Our last winter is plotted in red
and shows how much different it was than this year."

You can check out great weather information that is updated just about every day on the Iowa Environmental Mesonet. http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/index.phtml


This recent picture from Clive shows the open water of the ponds in that area and the water fowl that has stayed in the area through the winter.

40s are in the forecast through the rest of the week. After the brief rain this afternoon and evening... we will have a dry end of the week and weekend.

The next storm will move into Iowa Monday. This has the potential to mix rain and snow over the state.

Follow along with updated forecast information on Twitter... @EdWilsonWX13HD

Have a great rest of the week.

Storm Update

Storm is still coming. We are going to see the slow-moving system leave us with rain this afternoon and evening.

The rain will switch to snow early tomorrow morning. You can see the snow total map that shows most of the snow will be in Southwest Iowa.

That is the area that has a winter storm watch through 12:00 AM Sunday.

The snow Saturday morning will be heavy at times, then we are expecting a drier period during the mid-day hours. More snow will move through the area Saturday evening as the wind picks up and the storm starts to move east.

Travel to the west will be difficult at best tomorrow. Up to 18 inches of snow is expected in central Nebraska.

Tune in for the 5,6 and 10 newscasts...updates are always on 13.2 and you can follow me on Twitter @EdWilsonWX13HD for constant updates.

Have a great day and be ready for a mess Saturday.

Weekend Storm Pushing South

The big storm is still moving in our direction..but now is taking a turn farther south. This will mean less rain and snow for central Iowa.
There is a winter storm watch for the southwest corner of Iowa. It does not include Des Moines.
Rain will start tomorrow afternoon. The rain will change to snow by early Saturday morning.
More dry air is going to get pulled into this storm and the track will stay in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. That will mean about 1 to 3 inches of snow in Des Moines...but up to 6 or 8 inches of snow over SW Iowa, NE Nebraska and NW Missouri.



There is also a Dense Fog Advisory for portions of eastern Iowa. Fog has been a huge problem there over the last few days. Visibilities will fall below 1/4 mile.


It will be windy Saturday night and Sunday.
Travel will be difficult south and west of Des Moines.
Folks north of Highway 30 could miss all the weather action this weekend.

Finally....it was warm enough today for Vicki Van Donselaar to use the clothes line to dry the wash. Great weather for now... but stay tuned for the big changes this weekend.



As always...tune into 13.2 for the latest forecasts. Also follow on Twitter @EdWilsonWX13HD for more updates on this storm.

3 days in the 60s, Dense Fog, Winter Storm

The warm temperatures have busted another record today. At 3:05 this afternoon we topped out at 60 degrees. It is the new record for Feb. 1st. It is the third day in a row that Des Moines was 60 degrees or warmer. That has never happened during our meteorological winter (Dec 1-March 1).

Now we have a Dense Fog Advisory for the NE 1/4 of Iowa. It does not include Des Moines.

Calm wind and warm air flowing over the snow in that part of the state will reduce visibilities to under 1/4 mile tonight. The advisory is in effect through 10AM.


We will have great weather again tomorrow...but a winter storm with a potential to rock Iowa is moving our way. It will hit Friday night. First we will see rain and then the rain will change to snow. Saturday is going to be a mess. We could see some areas with over 5 inches of snow. Higher amount are possible. This storm is still 36 hours out...but the forecast models continue to show it on track for much of central Iowa.

I will update the storm tonight at 10 on 13 HD.

Follow all storm updates on Twitter. @EdWilsonWX13HD.

Do you wonder where winter has been hanging out? Alaska! One of the coldest winters on record has left Alaska in the deep freeze this year. Check out the co-eds at University of Alaska in Fairbanks. -45 and beachwear... fantastic.

Monday morning Prospect Creek, Alaska had a temperature of -79. The record low temperature for the U.S. was recorded at Prospect Creek in 1971. It hit -79.8. When the temp hits -30 ...oil will not pour out of a can. Hot water turns to ice dust when thrown into temperatures around -25.

Heavy snow has also plagued the Denali state. Snow that has collapsed homes and business. A few reports of 70+ inches of snow in 48 hours.

Our winter... not so wintry. We have received 6.4 inches of snow since Dec. 1. 10 inches of snow has fallen since last Fall. Record high temperatures were recorded yesterday. Des Moines had a high of 65. The old record was 57. Busted!!!



Here is a picture of the creek in our back yard. Still frozen...but not enough to support the weight of parent or kids. We had a story of two folks who lost their lives while ice fishing in Madison County yesterday. Another story of a kid how fell through ice on the Des Moines River as he tried to stop his dog from falling into the cold water. Thankfully the child was safe...and the Des Moines river rescue team saved the dog.

More 50s are in the forecast through the next couple days. The ice is too thin. Make sure you stay safe and on solid ground.

We are watching another storm that will impact the area Friday night and Saturday. Rain is expected to change to snow. Stay tuned....winter still has time to make up for the spring temps this week.

Wimpy Storm

This storm of wintry mix is slowing down and wimping out. Dryer has set up over Central Iowa and is sucking away all of the moisture.

There will be some areas of slick roads later today... but measurable snow will be very difficult to accumulate here.

The messy weather will move in before noon but we'll finish by 3 o'clock this afternoon.

Watch out for slick patches of roadway this afternoon and evening. The weekend is still looking dry and I think you're going like the temperatures next week.

Check out central Iowa's only 24 hour local weather news channel...13.2. We will have new updates on this changing forecast all day long.

Winter weather advisory tonight

The northern one half of Iowa is under a weather advisory tonight. It includes the Des Moines metro area. We are expecting 1 to 2 inches of snow by tomorrow morning.

This storm will start out as rain this evening and then turn to snow late tonight.

Another issue with the storm will be high wind gusts near 30 mph.

Much colder air will filter in behind the storm and could cause some icy roads by tomorrow morning.

Tuning the channel 13 tonight at 6 and 10. Brett McIntyre will have the full forecast.

Snowfall Totals Update

Here is the latest snowfall total map for the state. We expected the heavy snow to stay in the northern counties.

The highest amounts were in a line from Mason City to Fort Dodge to Waterloo. Many area near the Highway 20 corridor recorded 5 to 7 inches of snow.

Now we have the very cold lows below zero tonight. The snow and clear skies will allow our temperatures to bottom out near -10 in northern Iowa.

It will be cold Saturday. Highs are expected to be around 20.

The latest road condition map at 5:45 PM showed the snow covered roads in north central and eastern Iowa.

Check out the latest road report at ... http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/roads/

Northern Iowa Snowstorm

http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/data/lsr_snowfall.png
The latest snowfall totals show 6+ inches in northern Iowa.

This storm stayed right on track with the forecast last night showing Des Moines missing the snow.

Several schools canceled or delayed their classes today. The University of Northern Iowa canceled classes this afternoon too.

This storm still has a punch left for eastern Iowa. Travel is expected to be tricky in that area of the state through the overnight.

Now we have to brace for very cold overnight low temperatures. We are looking at a low tonight of two below zero.

It will remain cold on Saturday with a high of 20. But warmer temperatures on Sunday will give us a chance for rain snow mix.

Coldest Weather This Winter...Thursday

A wind chill advisory is in effect for northern Iowa tonight and tomorrow morning. Wind chills will drop to -20 to -30. You can see the counties in the advisory are shaded in light blue.

The NW wind will gust to over 30 mph. We will have dangerous conditions for all who might be caught in the cold tonight.

There is also a chance for light snow Thursday. This will allow for little more than a dusting. There could be some slick roads...but much of that will come from the melting today and re-freezing after sundown.

A more potent storm is setting course for Iowa Friday. There is a good chance for 1 to 3 inches of snow in Des Moines. Right now the forecast is showing more snow in northern Iowa...but if the storm track moves to the south we could see additional snow.

This is the more active weather pattern we expected at the beginning of the season. La Nina usually means a peaceful start to winter...but more significant storms for the second half of the season.

Looking ahead... there is a stronger storm that is brewing for next week. This one looks like it will be in the area Tuesday and could have rain/freezing rain and snow. It is far too soon to give an accurate measure ...but is one to certainly watch.

Stay warm and make sure to check on pets and those who are not able to stay warm.

3rd Warmest Winter

I know there are snow lovers out there that want, even need, to see some snow. Many of us love the seasonal changes in Iowa.

This year there is a snow withdrawal. If you have missed the snow...there is a chance for light snow tomorrow. There is a better chance for much colder temperatures.

A cold front will move through the state and take our early highs around 40 to the teens. This front also has the potential to give us some wind-driven snow. Only about 0.2" of snow...but the gusty NW wind will reduce visibilities as the snow moves in tomorrow afternoon.

For now... Des Moines is sitting at the 3rd warmest winter on record.

Waterloo and Mason City are too. Mason City had another record of 53 today.

Here are the other stats for the state.

...UPDATED STATISTICS FOR WARMTH SO FAR THIS WINTER...  THE METEOROLOGICAL WINTER TO DATE...DECEMBER 1ST THROUGH JANUARY  10TH...HAS BEEN CHARACTERIZED BY UNUSUALLY WARM TEMPERATURES AND  VERY LITTLE SNOWFALL ACROSS MUCH OF CENTRAL IOWA. MANY AREAS ARE  EXPERIENCING ONE OF THEIR WARMEST WINTERS-TO-DATE ON RECORD. THE  WARMEST WINTERS FROM DECEMBER 1ST THROUGH JANUARY 10TH...IN TERMS OF  AVERAGE TEMPERATURE...FOR SOME STATIONS ACROSS CENTRAL IOWA ARE AS  FOLLOWS:     ----DES MOINES---- 1. 1889-90  36.0 DEGREES 2. 2006-07  34.9 DEGREES 3. 2011-12  33.5 DEGREES    1881-82  33.5 DEGREES 4. 1965-66  33.0 DEGREES     -----WATERLOO----- 1. 2006-07  30.9 DEGREES 2. 1913-14  30.0 DEGREES 3. 2011-12  29.9 DEGREES    1931-32  29.9 DEGREES 5. 1959-60  29.8 DEGREES     -----MASON CITY---- 1. 1913-14  29.3 DEGREES 2. 2006-07  28.9 DEGREES 3. 2011-12  27.1 DEGREES    1931-32  27.1 DEGREES    1959-60  27.1 DEGREES     ------OTTUMWA------ 1. 1931-32  34.5 DEGREES 2. 2006-07  34.5 DEGREES 3. 1965-66  33.9 DEGREES 4. 1982-83  33.4 DEGREES 5. 2011-12  33.3 DEGREES

Thanks to to the NWS in Johnston for the updated information.

Records Smashed

At 2PM we have 64 degrees on the thermometer! A new record for Des Moines.

The old record was 59...we could be warmer by 3:00.

The clear sky and jet stream in Canada will keep busting records today.

Tonight on 13HD we will see how many places smashed record highs.

Enjoy the amazing January thaw.