Will the winter ahead be mild or wild? Forecasters with the National Weather Service are studying a host of computer models that create predictions extending out a few months. Meteorologist Deb Blondin says Iowa may be in for a type of winter weather we haven’t heard about in a while.
"We are projecting a La Nina situation setting up, which is cooler temperatures off the coast of South America. What that does to our pattern is makes the central United States and our area have a little bit better chance of being warmer over the winter but really doesn’t have much of an indicator for the precipitation," Blondin explains.
Still, Blondin says Iowans shouldn’t be putting away their parkas just yet. She says, "I wouldn’t think we’re going to have 80-degrees in January or something like that but we could see a little bit above-normal temperatures this winter." Blondin says just because the temperatures may be a little warmer during the icy months, it doesn’t mean people shouldn’t expect some surprises.
She says, "You can have some above-normal temperatures one day but well below normal the next day so you do need to be prepared." Blondin says the weather in Iowa is unpredictable and severe storms are always possible. She says to keep up on the latest forecasts and current conditions, the National Weather Service has a great online resource to help people stay informed.
There are constant updates, warnings and conditions at "weather.gov". She also recommends a NOAA weather radio, especially for those people in rural areas that may not have the emergency broadcast services enjoyed by more populated areas.