Iowans are bracing for bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously low wind chills beginning Sunday and lasting through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). A cold front is expected to arrive in Iowa tonight (Friday), compounded by an Arctic front that will sweep through the state Saturday night, bringing gusty northwest winds and plunging temperatures. Wind chills as low as 15 to 30 degrees (oF) below zero are forecast during the overnight and morning hours across much of Iowa, with the coldest conditions anticipated in northern Iowa. The frigid weather follows a cold front set to arrive Friday night, bringing 30 to 40 mph wind gusts. High temperatures on Saturday are forecast to range from 10 to 20 degrees, with wind chills of 10 to 20 below zero north of Interstate 80 by late morning. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure during the coldest periods and to take precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and their livestock.
