Iowa
Are tornadoes in Iowa possible today? Here’s what forecasters say
National Weather Service tornado safety guidelines
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
Severe storms are expected to sweep across Iowa again in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 14, with forecasters warning of all severe weather hazards possible — including tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds — as multiple rounds of storms move through the region through midweek.
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Iowa under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for Tuesday, signaling a higher likelihood of organized severe thunderstorms, including supercells capable of producing strong tornadoes and very large hail.
What is the weather today in Iowa?
Forecasters expect storms to develop late Tuesday afternoon into the evening as a stalled frontal boundary sits across eastern Iowa into Wisconsin. A surge of warm, moisture-rich air moving north from the Missouri Valley will collide with steep mid-level lapse rates and strong wind shear, creating an environment supportive of severe storms.
If storms can form, they are expected to quickly become supercells.
“Large to giant hail and an intense tornado will be possible with the strongest storms,” the Storm Prediction Center noted, especially where wind shear is maximized near surface boundaries.
Are tornadoes in Iowa possible?
Yes — tornadoes are possible across Iowa Tuesday afternoon and evening, though forecasters say the setup is still uncertain and depends on how storms evolve during the day, according to the National Weather Service.
A key factor is a “cap” in the atmosphere that could delay or limit storm development, making the exact timing and placement of storms difficult to pin down early.
Even if afternoon storms remain scattered, activity is expected to increase later Tuesday night as a low-level jet strengthens over the Plains and Midwest. That pattern should help trigger more widespread thunderstorms, especially across southern and central Iowa.
Some of these storms may become elevated above the surface overnight, which could slightly reduce the tornado threat at that point. However, that setup would still support hazards such as heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and hail, particularly in stronger storm clusters.
Still, forecasters say all severe weather hazards remain on the table.
Tornadoes are possible, and a few could be strong if storms stay isolated and develop into discrete supercells.
Large to giant hail is also a concern within the strongest rotating storms that form along boundaries in the warm sector.
Damaging wind gusts may become more widespread later in the evening if storms organize into larger clusters or storm complexes moving across the state.
Storms continue through Friday
Additional severe weather is possible on Wednesday as another upper-level disturbance moves into the region. The exact risk will depend on how Tuesday’s storms evolve and how much instability remains in place.
If conditions recover, supercells with all hazards — including tornadoes — could redevelop across parts of Iowa during peak daytime heating. For now, forecasters have maintained a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for Wednesday.
The active pattern does not end midweek. Another strong system is expected on Friday, bringing a new round of severe storms across much of Iowa ahead of a fast-moving cold front.
Behind it, temperatures will drop sharply over the weekend, with highs falling into the 40s and 50s and a hard freeze possible in northern areas by Saturday night.
Iowa weather radar
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.
How much rain does Des Moines get? See the 5 wettest days on record
Wondering how the rainfall total compares? Here are the five wettest days on record for Des Moines, Iowa.
Drought conditions in Iowa improved for a second consecutive week, though areas of moderate drought expanded in parts of the state.
The U.S. Drought Monitor offers a state-by-state tracking of drought conditions nationwide. New maps and forecasts are released each Thursday. What are the current drought conditions in Iowa?
U.S. Drought Monitor map: How much of Iowa is in a drought?
The latest Drought Monitor report, released on Thursday, June 18, showed about 46% of Iowa experiencing some form of drought. This continues the streak of conditions improving week to week in Iowa. The previous report, released on June 11, showed that 63% of the state was experiencing some form of drought.
The most recent report reflects conditions as of 8 a.m. June 16, right as storms were sweeping through Iowa, with parts of eastern Iowa seeing more than 2 inches of rainfall. Light rainfall on June 17 led to areas like Iowa City and Burlington reporting around an inch of rain.
Here is the breakdown of current drought conditions in Iowa:
- 61% of the state of Iowa is experiencing no drought conditions
- 39% of Iowa is experiencing abnormally dry conditions
- 7% of Iowa is experiencing moderate drought conditions
- 0% of Iowa is experiencing severe drought conditions
Even though drought conditions have improved overall in Iowa, the area experiencing moderate drought increased from the week of June 11, particularly in northern Iowa. Much of Cerro Gordo, Hancock and Kossuth counties are under D1 conditions, with nearby Palo Alto, Winnebago, Floyd and Mitchell also in moderate drought.
Pockets of moderate drought also persist along the northwest edge of Iowa in Lyon, Sioux and Plymouth counties. In eastern Iowa, Jackson, Clinton and Scott counties saw their moderate drought status ease week to week.
Most of the U.S. is facing drought conditions
About 73% of the U.S. is experiencing some level of drought, a 2-percentage-point improvement from the prior week. Some of the most intense drought conditions are in the southeast and the mountain west.
Iowa Drought Monitor tracks conditions weekly
The U.S. Drought Monitor offers a state-by-state tracking of drought conditions nationwide. New maps and forecasts are released each Thursday.
The intensity levels range from abnormally dry, or D0, to exceptional drought, or D4.
Typically with D0 conditions, corn can show drought stress. Pond levels start to decline under moderate drought conditions and soybeans abort pods, according to the Drought Monitor. The Drought Monitor also has a look-back chart that compares drought conditions from 3 months ago up to 1 year ago.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
Confirmed tornadoes were reported in Illinois and Iowa Wednesday night as severe weather descended on a large swath of the Midwest.
According to the National Weather Service, a confirmed tornado was reported near the small northeast Iowa community of Harpers Ferry at 5:10 p.m., while a second confirmed tornado rolled through Charleston in central Illinois at about 6:40 p.m. local time.
Both tornadoes were flagged by the weather service as a “particularly dangerous situation,” a rare designation used by the weather service for environments in which “strong and violent tornadoes” are possible.
Photos and videos obtained by CBS News showed extensive damage in Charleston, with downed trees and power lines. Hail that measured 2.75 inches was also reported in the Charleston area, according to the weather service.
“There are a large number of trees blocking roadways throughout Charleston at this time,” Charleston police said in a Facebook post. “Unless it is an absolute emergency, do not drive or attempt to go anywhere.”
The city of Charleston later declared a local state of emergency.
One cell phone video captured the terrifying moments what appeared to be a large tornado tore through Effingham, Illinois, located about 40 miles southwest of Charleston.
Larry Thies, coordinator for the Effingham Emergency Management Agency, told CBS News that initial information indicated damaged buildings, trailers, and downed power lines and trees. He said officials were working to set up an emergency operations center, but were facing challenges because internet was down in the area.
The extent of the damage to region was still unclear. There was no immediate word of injuries or fatalities. CBS News senior meteorologist Rob Marciano said there were at least seven reported tornadoes during the weather event.
According to utility tracker PowerOutage.us, at least 55,000 customers were without power in Illinois.
Earlier Wednesday, Marciano reported that more than 125 million Americans were facing severe weather advisories, including the Gulf Coast states, which were under flood alerts due to Tropical Storm Arthur. Speaking on “CBS Evening News,” Marciano said such ripe tornado conditions were rare for June.
“This is unique for June, this is unusual to have such a strong jet stream just screaming across the country, then you’ve got the summertime tropical moisture coming in…and then some cold air coming in,” Marciano said. “And winds coming at different direction, at different levels, creating that spin. So what that equates to is really the high probability of seeing, not just tornadoes, but intense tornadoes of EF2 strength or higher on the ground for a long time. And also damaging winds at 75 mph or higher, and of course big time hail.”
When is Juneteenth and how is the holiday celebrated
Juneteenth is coming up. Here is what the holiday is about and how it’s celebrated.
It is a busy weekend in Iowa City as summer officially begins on Sunday. From Iowa City Pride and Juneteenth celebrations, there is no shortage of activity happening around town.
Here are four events to check out.
Enter the whimsical world of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Lower City Park
Thursday to Sunday: Riverside Theatre’s summer tradition, Shakespeare in the Park, has returned to Lower City Park. Catch a free performance of William Shakespeare’s iconic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” that follows the chaotic events of four entangled lovers and a troupe of actors wandering into a mystical forest. All of the free shows through the weekend start at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with live entertainment and community
Friday: The Black Voices Project and Dream City are teaming up to host the community-wide Juneteenth Celebration. At 1 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the South District Market Parking lot, enjoy live music from Kevin Burt, along with community presentations, activities for all ages, and a fashion showcase.
Show your pride at Iowa City Pride events
Saturday: Iowa City Pride is back for the 56th year. Principal events, the Pride Parade and Pride Festival, will start at noon on Saturday, June 20. The festival will be on the Ped Mall, and the parade will begin at College Green Park, working its way downtown along Iowa Avenue and East Washington Street. The festival runs from 12 to 9 p.m.
Catch a romantic comedy under the stars at FilmScene in the Park
Saturday: FilmScene in the Park returns at 9:15 p.m., Saturday, June 20, with a screening of the cult classic “13 Going on 30″ at Chauncey Swan Park. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Concessions, including beer and wine, will be available 30 minutes before the film begins.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
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