• Iowa is expected to experience the coldest temperatures in the Lower 48 due to a surge of Arctic air.
• A weakened polar vortex is allowing frigid air to spill into the U.S., creating a winter-like weather pattern.
• Record-breaking low temperatures are likely through Thursday, with light snow chances but minimal accumulation expected.
• A gradual warm-up is forecast for the weekend, but temperatures will remain below normal with chances for light snow.

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.