Iowa
Iowa will be the coldest state in the US. Maps show how cold it’ll be.
What is the polar vortex? How it can impact snow, freezes in the U.S.
The polar vortex is a large area of circulating cold air above the North Pole. Strong winds keep it contained, but when it weakens, it can wobble and stretch.
Temperatures across Iowa are forecast to plunge to the coldest in the Lower 48, dipping well below zero as a surge of Arctic air sweeps in.
The broader weather pattern will stay active and winter-like through the end of the week and into the weekend. A recent stratospheric disturbance weakened the polar vortex, allowing frigid Arctic air to spill into the U.S. and shift the jet stream, bringing snow and wintry precipitation to several regions.
While the heaviest snow will target the Rockies and High Plains on Dec. 3, Iowa will primarily feel the effects of a strong cold front and fast-moving clipper systems sweeping through the Great Lakes and Midwest.
“An active winter-like pattern will continue to bring the threat of winter weather to multiple areas of the country through the end of the week and into the weekend,” the Climate Prediction Center said.
When is the coldest air expected in Iowa?
Dangerous cold will dominate the forecast through Thursday, Dec. 4. Record-breaking lows are likely early Thursday, and even daytime highs will struggle to climb out of the single digits and teens. Winds will ease overnight, but the extreme cold will persist.
By Friday, Dec. 5, temperatures moderate slightly, but the pattern remains active into the weekend.
When will temperatures warm up in Iowa?
After the deep freeze, a gradual warm-up arrives Friday, Dec. 5, though temperatures will still run below normal.
The weekend and early next week look unsettled, with a series of disturbances tracking through the Midwest. While confidence in timing and amounts remains low, light snow chances will return periodically. Anyone with travel plans should monitor updates closely, as even light snow combined with cold conditions could impact roads.
Is snow expected in Iowa?
Light snow showers are possible today, Dec. 3, along the trailing cold front.
Additional chances for snow are possible on Thursday, Dec. 4, as another clipper system passes through. Accumulations in Iowa should remain light, but the bitter cold will dominate the story, with temperatures running well below normal for early December.
Several weak systems will ripple through the region, bringing occasional chances for light snow. While significant accumulations appear unlikely, even minor snowfall could cause hazards as low temperatures keep roads slick.
“Anyone with travel plans this weekend should monitor the latest forecast updates, because while at this time the probability of a significant snowfall event is low, even lighter accumulations could still impact travel conditions at times,” the National Weather Service office in Des Moines wrote.
Maps: Temperature lows in Iowa
Fort Dodge is set to see the coldest temps in the U.S. on Thursday, Dec. 4, reaching -16 degrees overnight.
Wednesday night through Thursday morning, Dec. 3-4
Thursday night through Friday morning, Dec. 4-5
Friday night through Saturday morning, Dec. 5-6
Iowa weather watches and warnings
Here are the watches and warnings for the area.
Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text.
Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.
Two people are dead after a Dubuque bar fight escalated, with one man shooting another and then being killed by police.
An officer with the Dubuque Police Department was outside the Odd Fellows bar just before 1 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, when he witnessed a physical altercation, according to a news release from the Dubuque Police Department.
As the officer exited the patrol vehicle, an adult man allegedly used a handgun to shoot one of the people involved in the fight. The officer fired at the offender, who then ran into the bar.
The victim who was shot first was provided medical treatment by officers at the scene and then transported to MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque.
The offender was treated by police officers inside the bar and then transported to UnityPoint Finley Hospital.
Both were later pronounced dead.
The names of those involved are not being released at this time pending notification of family members.
The incident is being investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The officer involved was not injured and has been placed on critical incident leave in accordance with the department’s policies.
Nick El Hajj is a reporter at the Register. He can be reached at nelhajj@gannett.com. Follow him on X at @nick_el_hajj.
With the season coming out of the holiday break, now is the perfect time to take a look at the top Iowa high school girls basketball players by grade.
These are just some of the top players in Iowa and not a complete list of all of them. Statistics are based on those uploaded to the Bound website by January 4, 2026.
Here are the top junior girls basketball players in Iowa high school basketball:
A high-level producer, Maggie McChesney heads into 2026 averaging 23.6 points, nine rebounds, 2.7 steals, 2.6 assists and over two blocks per game.
The next standout from North Union, Ainsley Ulrich is posting nearly 23 points with six rebounds, and over three steals a night.
Flirting with averaging a double-double is Izzy Gilbertson, as the junior stands at 21.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, four blocks, 3.6 steals and three assists.
Along with posting 20 points and grabbing six rebounds, Cora Sauer also adds four steals and three assists.
A big sophomore season has carried right over for Melina Snoozy, as she leads the Crusaders with 20 points, eight rebounds and 3.5 steals a night, along with averaging a block per game.
Up north is Riley Meyer, a 20-point scorer per game who adds six rebounds and two steals.
Sitting right under 20 points a night is Addy Wolfswinkel, as she is also averaging five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
A standout on both ends, Maryn Franken posts nearly 20 points and over eight rebounds per game with three steals and 1.4 blocks.
Following in the footsteps of Audi Crooks, Graclyn Eastman has been nearly unstoppable for the Golden Bears, scoring 19 points per game with nine rebounds, 3.5 steals, 2.6 blocks and two assists.
Another Maroon standout named Muller, Katie is scoring over 18 points per game with six rebounds, 3.5 assists and over a block and steal.
One of the top players in the North Central Conference, Hayden McLaughlin has taken over as the No. 1 option for the Bulldogs, scoring 17 points per game with nearly six rebounds and two steals.
The Hawks rely on KeaOnna Worley to do a lot, and she delivers nightly, scoring 16.5 points with nearly five assists, four rebounds and two steals.
The balanced Comets are led by Campbell Schulz, as the junior posts 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists, three steals and nearly three blocks.
Forming a powerful 1-2 punch with Addy Wolfswinkel is Deidra Doeden, who averages 18 points and 13.5 rebounds per game.
Down low for North Mahaska is Natallya Linder, a nightly double-double at 15.7 points and 13 rebounds to go along with 2.6 steals, 2.3 assists and a block.
The last name has long been a staple for Pella Christian, and Rachel is carrying it on now, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block per game.
The forward is a threat all over the court for the Falcons, posting 18 points, 11.6 rebounds, two steals, two assists and a block.
Triple-doubles are in the future for Aniya Hardee, as she is averaging nine points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists and nearly five steals per game.
Penn State landed Iowa State’s pair of quarterbacks earlier Sunday, including starter Rocco Becht, in a splash move. Now, the Cyclones’ leading receiver is coming with them.
Wide receiver Brett Eskildsen committed to Penn State via the transfer portal, becoming the seventh Cyclone to join the Nittany Lions this weekend. He announced the move on social media.
Eskildsen recorded 30 receptions, 526 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore in 2025. He also appeared in all 13 games as a freshman but made just two catches for 17 yards.
The 6-1, 200-pound wideout is from Frisco, Texas, and is a three-star in the 247Sports transfer rankings (No. 118 overall, No. 30 WR). He was a three-star out of high school as well, where he had more than 1,5000 career receiving yards.
Becht’s top man from 2026 is now in place. He’ll also be able to throw to standout Penn State freshman Koby Howard and quick youngster Tyseer Denmark, who have confirmed their returns thus far.
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