For the first time in several weeks, Iowans are breaking out the umbrellas. John Hinsberger is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “It’s been quite a while, since the last week of August, we haven’t seen any measurable precipitation,” Hinsberger said. Rain was falling over parts of western and central Iowa this morning and it’s expected to hang around through Tuesday.
Hinsberger says “on and off” rain could be accompanied by some thunderstorms over the next 24 to 36 hours. The thunderstorms, however, are not expected to be severe enough to cause any significant damage. “Not all of the ingredients are there for severe conditions, but we do see about a 60% chance for showers and thunderstorms today and tonight,” Hinsberger said. “There could be some locally heavy rains as well as some dangerous lightning.”
A dense fog advisory was posted for five counties in extreme northeast Iowa earlier this morning. Several schools in the area delayed the start of classes. Once the rain moves out of the state Tuesday, Hinsberger expects mostly dry conditions for the remainder of the week.
“It’s going to be partly to mostly cloudy with some on and off showers…about a 305 chance Thursday and Friday and Saturday as well,” Hinsberger said. High temperatures through the week will range from the lower 60s in northern Iowa to the upper 70s south.