Iowa is about to experience some of the coldest temperatures of the season, with wind chills expected to plunge to a dangerous -40°F overnight. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning, urging residents to prepare for life-threatening conditions that could make even short trips outside extremely hazardous.
The Arctic blast will send temperatures plummeting below zero, with strong winds making it feel even colder. At these levels, frostbite can set in within minutes, power grids may struggle to keep up with demand, and roads could turn into sheets of ice.
Officials are strongly advising people to stay indoors, limit travel, and take precautions to protect homes, pets, and loved ones from the extreme cold.
How Cold Will It Get?
The frigid air mass will grip Iowa through Tuesday, with some areas seeing their coldest temperatures of the year. Wind chills will make it feel significantly worse, making outdoor exposure extremely dangerous.
Here’s a look at what different areas can expect:
- Des Moines – Currently 1°F, but dropping fast with overnight lows near -11°F. Wind chills will make it feel like -40°F at times.
- Cedar Rapids – Mostly clear skies, but the temperature will fall to -11°F overnight, with dangerous wind chills.
- Davenport – Currently 2°F, but expected to reach -7°F, with wind chills making it feel far colder.
The Biggest Dangers to Watch Out For
This level of cold is not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Here are some of the biggest risks:
- Frostbite & Hypothermia – With wind chills this extreme, exposed skin can freeze in 10 minutes or less. Hypothermia is a major concern for anyone without adequate heat.
- Power Outages – The intense cold could overload power grids, leading to potential blackouts that leave homes without heat.
- Frozen Pipes & Home Damage – At these temperatures, pipes can freeze and burst, causing major water damage and leaving homes without running water.
- Dangerous Travel Conditions – Roads will be icy and unpredictable, and vehicles may struggle to start in such extreme temperatures. If you get stranded, the cold could become deadly.
How to Stay Safe in This Extreme Cold
Officials are urging everyone in Iowa to take precautions before the temperatures drop further:
- Stay indoors whenever possible. If you have to go outside, wear multiple layers, gloves, thick socks, a hat, and a scarf to protect against frostbite.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, food, water, extra batteries, and a charged phone in case you get stranded.
- Prepare for possible power outages. Charge your phone now, have flashlights, blankets, and alternative heating sources ready, and never use a generator indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Bring pets inside. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them! Make sure outdoor animals have warm bedding, access to unfrozen water, and proper shelter.
- Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals. Ensure they have a warm place to stay and enough supplies to get through the cold snap.
How Long Will This Last?
The Arctic blast is expected to last through Tuesday, with temperatures remaining well below freezing for several more days. Even after the warning expires, Iowa will still be dealing with icy roads and bitter cold throughout the week.
Officials stress that this is not just another cold night—this is a life-threatening event that requires serious preparation. Stay informed, stay indoors, and stay safe.
