Cold, wet weather delayed farmers from getting into the fields this spring, but Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig, says they have been quickly working to catch up. "We had a significant week of progress last week on corn and soybean planting. You know, farmers are having to dodge some rain clouds this … [Read more...]
Severe weather expected today, then cooler temperatures
Forecasters say large sections of north-central and northeastern Iowa are likely in for rough weather late this afternoon, tonight and early tomorrow. Meteorologist Allan Curtis, at the National Weather Service, says high temperatures may climb into the 80s and 90s statewide today, but by … [Read more...]
Low Missouri River levels means less electric production
Due to low runoff into the Missouri River basin, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts power production from the six main stem dams will be about 77% of normal this year. Electricity from the dams is distributed through the Western Area Power Administration, where spokeswoman Lisa Meiman says … [Read more...]
A haboob, a dust storm black out, hits northwest Iowa
An intense dust storm called a haboob hit northwest Iowa in the Little Rock area late yesterday, causing a temporary black out due to the amount of dust in the air. According to the Arizona Republic, the word to describe this weather phenomenon was first used in the United States in 1972. "It … [Read more...]
Iowa’s drought picture shows improvement
The latest drought map for Iowa shows a lot less color than it has in recent weeks. Iowa DNR hydrologist, Tim Hall, says there are fewer areas of severe drought. "The worst is in Monona and Woodbury and Plymouth counties along the Missouri River in western Iowa. So about seven percent of the … [Read more...]
Festival teaches kids about the importance of water
Fifth graders from across the state are taking part in the 26th annual Iowa Children’s Water Festival on the Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny campus today. Event coordinator, Kristie Wildung, says it's a day for the kids to learn about a key resource. "They're gonna come and spend a day … [Read more...]
Weather condition taking toll on conifers
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says they're receiving reports of moderate to severe winter burn damage to some trees across the state. Forestor Tivon Feeley, says they see the damage in the arborvitae, white pine, and a little bit in Scotch and Red Pine. "And what's going on is, you … [Read more...]
Weather kept farmers out of fields last week
There wasn't a lot of action in the farm fields last week. The U.S.D.A. crop report says weather limited farmers to just about two good days in the field. With no tractors pulling planters -- only 5 more percent of the corn crop got in the ground for a total now of 14%. That pace is two weeks … [Read more...]
More normal temperatures expected the next several days
Temperatures have shot up into the 80s and 90s today across Iowa. National Weather Service meteorologist, Roger Vachalek says the temperature isn't the only thing making it warm. "Along with that you've noticed a rapid increase in a humidity level so it feels exactly like you would expect for … [Read more...]
Missouri River conditions forecast to improve
Iowa's weather pattern is making a big shift this week, from cold and rainy to hot and humid, raising familiar concerns about drought. Meteorologist Doug Kluck, climate services director for the Central Region of the National Weather Service, based in Kansas City, says some forecasts show … [Read more...]