Iowa Weather Alert: Dangerous Wind Chills as Low as -38°F Tonight Through Tuesday Morning

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Iowa City, IA – Residents across Iowa are bracing for bitterly cold temperatures as an Arctic air mass settles over the region. Dangerous wind chills as low as -38°F are expected tonight through Tuesday morning, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue an Extreme Cold Warning for much of the state.

According to the NWS Des Moines, wind chill values between -25°F and -38°F will persist overnight into Tuesday morning. Combined with west-to-northwest winds of 5 to 15 mph, exposed skin could experience frostbite in as little as 30 minutes. The coldest period will occur between midnight and 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The advisory includes Des Moines, Ames, and surrounding areas. Overnight lows will range from -10°F to -20°F. Daytime highs on Tuesday are forecast to reach only 11°F, with wind chill values remaining dangerously low.

Travelers are urged to drive with caution, especially on I-80 and I-35, as icy patches could develop. Residents are encouraged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and check on vulnerable individuals. Bring pets indoors and ensure pipes are insulated to prevent freezing.

Looking ahead, a slight chance of snow is forecast late Tuesday night, but temperatures will moderate slightly by midweek. Highs will climb to the mid-20s by Wednesday and reach the low 30s by Friday, offering some relief from the bitter cold.

Stay updated by visiting weather.gov/desmoines for the latest advisories.

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