Dark Clouds

We could see some stormy weather this weekend.

After several days of chilly, wet weather and temperatures well below average, forecasters say much of Iowa will be warmer than normal today, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the 60s and 70s, even nearing 80 in the southwest.

Meteorologist Craig Cogil, at the National Weather Service, says Iowans should enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.

Cogil says, “We are looking at relatively pleasant weather to start out the weekend but as we head into Saturday night into Sunday and actually into early next week, we’re going to see active weather with thunderstorm chances starting late Saturday night and continuing through Sunday night and then just steadier rains into early next week.”

Parts of Iowa may see some rough storms this weekend, but he says much of the worst of it is forecast to stay in Missouri.

“We do see some threat of severe weather Saturday night into Sunday night, especially central into northern Iowa,” Cogil says. “The main threat at this point in time is going to be hail, but it looks like the more dangerous activity should remain south of Iowa though.”

He says rainfall amounts of two to three inches may be common in Iowa this weekend.

Years of records show about 70% of the tornadoes that touch down in Iowa strike during the months of May and June. So far this year, Iowa’s only had two twisters, while the state averages 46 tornadoes a year.

Thanks to Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City

Radio Iowa