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What in the Weather?7/24/25 - Temperatures moderating, Wetness continuesHistorical Weather (This Day in History - 1993) Severe thunderstorms moved from Nebraska to western Iowa at 60 mph Wind gusts exceeded 70 mph, with 75 mph winds in Pottawattamie County destroying barns Council Bluffs received 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes causing urban flooding Des Moines recorded 83 mph wind gust 1993 was record wet year for Ames (20 inches of rain in July alone vs. 8 inches in July 2025) Current Weather Forecast Short-term (Justin Glisan) Rainfall chances continue through Friday night Cold front broke heat dome, bringing dew points down Temperatures: mid-80s through weekend, then back to 90s Minor rainfall chances early next week Northern Iowa...2025-07-2420 minWhat in the Weather?7/17/25 - Hot next week; Wet conditions continue Weather History On July 17, 1972, slow-moving morning thunderstorms dropped 5.5 inches of rain at Sioux City, setting the all-time daily rainfall record there (still standing). Other highlights: 4.63 inches at Sac City, 3.45 inches at Humboldt. Short-Term Weather Outlook Cool air has returned after a recent frontal passage, but temperatures are forecast to increase again heading into next week. There are chances for showers and thunderstorms through the weekend. A “Ring of Fire” storm pattern will set up as a heat dome builds south over Missouri, leading to more storms along its northern edge...2025-07-1723 minWhat in the Weather?7/11/25 - More rain to come, cooling a bit next week Recent Iowa Weather Highlights Heavy Rainfall: Rain gauges in the Des Moines area report 1–2.2 inches; some areas in western/central Iowa received up to 6 inches in the past week. Southeast Iowa remains much drier, with some locations getting less than 0.1 inch. Historical Context: July 11, 1993: Major flooding in Des Moines, with 250,000 residents losing water after levee breaches. 1993 marked 20 out of 37 consecutive days of measurable rain somewhere in Iowa. Current Wet Stretch: Statewide rainfall is 137% of normal for July so far. Several stations hav...2025-07-1137 minWhat in the Weather?7/3/25 - Average summer weather Iowa Weather History: On July 3, 2001, severe thunderstorms in southern Iowa produced very large hail: 2.5-inch stones at Osceola, 3-inch at Otley, and 4-inch at Truro, causing widespread and extensive damage. Recent Severe Weather Trends: Hail has been infrequent this year, with the most recent notable event in north central/northwestern Iowa a few weeks ago. The primary severe weather mode this season has been wind, with only a few pockets of hail and very few tornadoes (no tornadoes in May, five reports in June, including a landspout). Despite fewer...2025-07-0319 minWhat in the Weather?6/26/25 - Sweet Corn Soon; More wet for now, dry next weekWeather History & Current Conditions Historical reference: June 26, 1993 - Severe hailstorms in western Iowa with golf ball to softball-sized hail caused extensive damage to crops, trees, cars, and buildings Recent weather: 150-400% of normal rainfall across southern Iowa with some areas receiving 3-8 inches (equivalent to a month's worth of rain) Heat wave anomaly: Unusual combination of high 90s temperatures, high humidity, and sustained strong southerly winds for 24-36 hours - described as a "black swan event" Record temperatures: Many stations recorded daily record warm overnight low temperatures that didn't allow for cooling Weather Forecasts Short-term: Continued unsettled pattern with thunderstorms...2025-06-2622 minWhat in the Weather?6/19/25 - Two words: "Blast Furnace" Iowa Weather History: On June 19, 1996, severe thunderstorms produced very large hail in northwest Iowa, with a 3.5-inch stone near Hinton (Plymouth County) and a 4.5-inch stone at Cushing (Woodbury County), causing $200,000 in damage to vehicles and buildings. 7-Day Weather Forecast: Iowa is entering a "blast furnace" pattern: temperatures will soar 15–20°F above average, with highs in the 90s to upper 90s and overnight lows in the mid to upper 70s. Persistent high overnight lows will make it difficult for people and plants to recover. Strong southwesterly winds will continue, bri...2025-06-1917 minWhat in the Weather?6/13/25 - Continued Warmth Ahead; Watch for Aster Yellows, Squash Vine Borer Iowa Weather History June 13, 1976: an F5 tornado near Luther, Iowa, was one of the largest in state history. The tornado, nearly a mile wide, spawned multiple satellite tornadoes and caused widespread destruction between Boone and Ames, demolishing over 60 homes and 300 farm buildings. Charles Barthold’s iconic photographs of the event contributed to tornado science and earned him a Peabody Award. 7-Day Weather Forecast Expect continued warmth with a risk of extreme heat in the coming week. An active precipitation pattern is forecast, with widespread rain likely. Most of Iowa should receive at...2025-06-1321 minWhat in the Weather?6/4/25 - Meteorological Spring Recap 2025 Iowa Weather History On June 4, 1998, sleet and trace ice were reported in Rock Rapids, northwestern Iowa—the only official winter precipitation recorded in Iowa in June; none in July or August. 1997–1998 was a strong El Niño year, noted for heavy precipitation events. Recent and Upcoming Weather Unsettled weather with rain and severe storms in eastern Iowa over the past week. Statewide air quality alert due to wildfire smoke from Canada, reducing solar radiation and lowering temperatures by 1–2°F. Transitioning to a warmer, drier pattern with scattered rain cha...2025-06-0424 minWhat in the Weather?5/28/25 - Summer is right around the cornerIowa Weather History 1906 Historical Frost: Late season statewide frost on May 28th with temperatures dropping to 30-32°F across multiple Iowa cities, though crop damage was minimal due to brief duration 2021 Comparison: Similar late freeze event occurred on May 29th with 37°F statewide average (13° below normal) Recent Frost Data: Last frost dates varied by location - Sibley (April 21st), Ames (April 12th), Keokuk (April 9th), though Mason City hit 32°F as recently as May 20th Weather Forecast & Climate Trends Short-term: Nice weekend weather with 70s-80s temperatures, some scattered showers and thunderstorms Long-term outlook: Moving toward more active storm pattern with...2025-05-2820 minWhat in the Weather?5/22/25 - Cool and wet now, stay tuned for warmer and drierWeather History: In 1873, a deadly tornado tore through southeastern Iowa, affecting Keokuk, Washington, and Louisa counties before moving into Illinois. The storm produced very large hail (up to 4.5 inches in diameter), killed 8 people, and injured at least a dozen others. This event prompted the first detailed tornado damage survey in Iowa, conducted by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. 7-Day Weather Forecast: Temperatures are expected to remain cool for the next week. Rain chances increase as the weekend approaches, with the best chance for precipitation Sunday night into Monday. The following week will be less active 2025-05-2217 minWhat in the Weather?5/15/25 - Let my irrigation flowWeather History and Forecast Historical weather event (May 15, 1968): Major tornado outbreak in Iowa with two F5 tornadoes Caused significant damage in Charles City, Oelwein, Maynard, and other areas 20 total fatalities and over 600 injuries Current forecast: Transitioning weather pattern with thunderstorms possible Potential for 2+ inches of rain across Iowa in the coming week Brief cold snap with temperatures dropping to high 40s in central Iowa Moving from "comfortably warm" conditions to more seasonable temperatures Climate Outlook Moving past the "spring barrier" in forecasting (transition from synoptic to mesoscale/convective weather patterns) June outlook: Warmer temperatures expected across...2025-05-1523 minWhat in the Weather?5/8/25 - Cut Flowers for Mothers DayWeather Update and Forecast Current conditions feature stable, pleasant weather A localized rain event occurred the previous night (May 7th) across central Iowa, with amounts around 0.21 inches in some areas Weather pattern is currently dictated by an "Omega block" high pressure system creating stable air Forecast shows temperatures warming into the 80s with relatively dry conditions 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks indicate: Above normal temperatures for Iowa, though this pattern is moving eastward Above normal precipitation chances in the coming weeks Western US expected to have below normal temperatures Historical Weather Note On May 8, 1964, Iowa experienced v...2025-05-0819 minWhat in the Weather?5/1/25 - Weather like San Diego ahead?!This Day in Iowa Weather History In 1911, unseasonably cold air brought rain mixed with snow across northwestern Iowa. Most snow melted on contact, but some locations reported accumulations: 1 inch at Denison, 1.5 inches at Alta and Lamars, 2 inches at Algona, Mason City, New Hampton, Onawa, and Rockwell City, 2.5 inches at Rock Rapids, and 4 inches at Elma in Howard County. 7-Day Weather Forecast Showers and thunderstorms are possible today, but the weekend will bring pleasant, San Diego-like weather: sunny skies and highs in the 70s. A quieter weather pattern is expected to settle in. 2025-05-0122 minWhat in the Weather?4/25/25 - Still warm, severe weather chance on Monday This Day in Iowa Weather History: In 1900, a resident of Creston was struck by lightning twice during the same storm and survived, though he was partially paralyzed, singed, and blackened by the strikes. 7-Day Weather Forecast: The coming weekend looks pleasant, but thunderstorms are expected to return Sunday night into Monday, with a potential severe weather outbreak (all modes possible, including strong tornadoes) on Monday. Afterward, the storm track quiets down, but temperatures remain above average. Climate Outlook: The 6–10 and 8–14 day forecasts show a warm signal for most of Iowa, especially the west...2025-04-2522 minWhat in the Weather?4/17/25 - Warmer and wetter; How much would you bet that we've seen our last frost? In summary: The episode covers current severe storm risk, a warm/wet outlook, lingering (but mostly localized) frost potential, and advice for growers on weather impacts, pest and seedling management, and fieldwork timing. There’s a focus on using sound data (not just forecasts) for planting decisions, and corrections on frost hardiness for strawberry crops. Weather Recap & Outlook The hosts recall a historic severe weather event: an F3 tornado in Van Buren County on April 16th, 1967. For the current day (April 17, 2025), the main severe weather threat is large hail (1–2+ inches), especially from Omah...2025-04-1727 minWhat in the Weather?Warmer than average temps, but windy7-day Weather Forecast - Dr. Justin Glisan Temperature: Above average temperatures in the 50s and 60s Temperature gradient across the state Precipitation: Quieter weather pattern after an active March Windy conditions expected Climate Forecast - Madelynn Wuestenberg 6-10 day (April 15-19): Temperature: Leaning below normal temperatures along the eastern part of the state Near normal temperatures for the rest of the state Precipitation: Southeast edge of the state leaning slightly above normal The rest of the state near normal precipitation 8-14 day (April 17-23): Temperature: Eastern part of the state: near normal temperature conditions Western half of the state: 33-40...2025-04-1035 minWhat in the Weather?2/26/25 - Staying warm-ish with chance for precip. next week + Recap of Meteorological WinterWeather History and Forecast On this day in 1936: Severe blizzard in northern and northwestern Iowa Forecast for the coming week: Above average warmth Chance of a widespread system early next week Discussion on Chicago Low vs. St. Louis Low weather systems Climate Outlooks 8-14 day outlook: Leaning warmer, near normal precipitation 3-4 week outlook: Warmer signal, equal chances for precipitation March outlook: Equal chances for temperature, slightly above normal precipitation for eastern Iowa Current La Niña conditions expected t...2025-02-2631 minWhat in the Weather?1/17/25 - The Best and Worst of 2024, Annual Weather Superlatives showThis podcast episode was recorded on January 17th, 2025, at the Practical Farmers of Iowa conference. The hosts, Dan Fillius, Justin Glisan, and Madelynn Wuestenberg, presented an annual review of Iowa's weather and its impact on specialty crops in 2024. Weather Overview: 2024 was the 5th warmest year on record for Iowa The state experienced its second warmest winter Iowa received about 37 inches of precipitation, making it the 29th wettest year on record A record 125 tornadoes were recorded in 2024, with the Greenfield EF4 tornado being particularly severe Crop Impacts: The warm winter led to better pest survival...2025-01-1756 minWhat in the Weather?12-18-24 - Warm through the New Year + a visit with Craig Cogil from National Weather Service!This episode is a long one, but so good, with a lengthy visit with Craig Cogil at the National Weather Service in Johnston. We're so grateful for all of Craig's time and insights! Forecast Discussion A system moving through tomorrow will bring snow to northern Iowa, with 1-2 inches expected north of Highway 20. Strong winds and colder air will follow. The 8-14 day outlook shows high confidence in above-average temperatures, potentially reaching the 40s. There's a slight chance of above-average precipitation, likely in liquid form due to warmer temperatures. Climate Trends December has been...2024-12-181h 21What in the Weather?10/16/24 - First Widespread Frost, Warm Days + Cool Nights Continue For Now This Day in Iowa Weather History (1880) Severe storm with hail, high winds, and snow Earliest recorded blizzard in Iowa Current Weather Update First frost and freeze for much of the region Forecast: Sunny, warm days (60s-70s), cool nights (upper 30s-low 40s) Weather and Climate Notables Driest 7-day period of the growing season Recent aurora event visible in Iowa Vegetable Crop Year in Review Garlic: Some Aster yellows phytoplasma cases Sweet corn: Early earworm infestation Peaches: Poor year, isolated crops due to winter damage Onions: Root maggot and foliar disease issues Cucurbits: Decent crop, some pest and disease pressures Peppers...2024-10-1638 minWhat in the Weather?10/10/24 - Widespread Regional Frost Coming Next Week Historical weather event: Unusually early snowfall in parts of Iowa on October 10, 2009. Current forecast: Dry conditions with chances of frost in the coming week. Long-term outlook: Trending towards warmer temperatures after the frost event. Discussion of the U.S. Drought Monitor: Explanation of different drought types: meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic. Current drought conditions in Iowa: 98% of the state is abnormally dry or in drought. Importance of accurate rainfall reporting (e.g., CoCoRaHS program). Specialty crop impacts: Basil harvest should be completed before frost. Sweet potatoes should be fine through the first frost night but harvested by Tuesday. Mention of...2024-10-1049 minWhat in the Weather?10/3/24 - Sunny and Warm and Dry continues...Which could hide first frost in the long term outlooks Weather History: On this day in 1938, temperatures reached 97°F in Onawa, tying Iowa's all-time October record. Other high temperatures included 96°F at Little Sioux and Sioux City. Short-Term Forecast: Current conditions are warm and dry, following the driest September on record. Upcoming temperatures expected to reach the upper 80s to low 90s, with cooler nights in the low to mid-40s. Recent Weather Events: Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, causing significant rainfall and landslides in North Carolina. Iowa experienced dry, hot, and windy conditions, leading to fire bans in some counties. Temperature Trends: Daily high temperatures were 11 to 15 degrees ab...2024-10-0329 minWhat in the Weather?9/26/24 - Sunny and Warmer than Average...But keep an eye out for frost This episode was recorded on 9/26, but is being published on 10/1 due to technical difficulties. The hosts are Dan Fillius (ISU extension field specialist), Dr. Justin Glisan (state climatologist), and Madelynn Wuestenberg (ISU extension agricultural climatology specialist). They discuss moving to a monthly schedule for winter, with the last weekly episode on October 16th. Historical weather events are mentioned, including a 1959 windstorm and an early snowstorm in 1942. The current weather forecast indicates sunny and warm conditions, with a stagnant weather pattern due to Hurricane Helen. Climate predictions show above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation for the next few weeks. La Niña i...2024-10-0142 minWhat in the Weather?9/19/24 - Rain this weekend, warm and dry-ish conditions ahead Weather History: Discussion of September 19, 1991, when freezing temperatures caused severe crop damage across Iowa. Current Weather: Describes current pleasant and balmy weather conditions. Thunderstorms forming in central and northern Iowa with a slight risk of severe weather. 7-Day Forecast: Active weather pattern expected with rain forecasted over the weekend. Anticipation of synoptic scale rain rather than thunderstorms. Soil Conditions: September is noted as the second driest in 152 years, affecting lawn care and crop growth. Discussion on reseeding lawns during this dry period. Agritourism Impact: Rain on weekends negatively affects turnout for agritourism events and farmers markets. Farmers are adapting by...2024-09-1934 minWhat in the Weather?9/12/24 - Chestnuts & Pawpaws & Grapes, Oh My!This episode features clips from the Farm Progress Show with Patrick O'Malley and Randall Vos, both field specialists in horticulture with ISU Extension and Outreach Patrick O'Malley's segment: Eastern Iowa has experienced a wetter year than usual, leading to fungal diseases in vegetables and fruit crops. Apples that haven't been sprayed are showing more fruit rot, while sprayed ones are doing well. Chinese chestnuts are a notable commercial nut crop in Southeast Iowa, with a co-op in Columbus Junction. Pawpaws are a potential crop for areas south of Highway 30 in Iowa, with pick-your-own operations emerging. ...2024-09-1217 minWhat in the Weather?9/5/24 - Cool briefly, then Warmer and Drier for the foreseeable future Historical Weather Event: In 1913, an unexplained weather phenomenon occurred in Albia during the Yankee Robinson Circus, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old boy and injuries to 15 others due to a collapsing tent. Residents nearby did not witness any storm. Current Weather Forecast: A cold front is moving through Iowa, bringing rain showers to Northern Iowa, with cooler temperatures expected. Next week, temperatures may rise back into the 80s and low 90s, with a dry forecast and reasonable dew points in the 60s. Recent Weather Notables: The past week was hot with some rain showers across the state. A frontal...2024-09-0543 minWhat in the Weather?8/28/24 - It's going to cool down! Some rain potential in the shift. • Key points from the weather discussion: - On this day in 1979, several tornadoes touched down in Iowa, with one F3-F4 tornado causing significant damage. - Recent weather included oppressive heat, with temperatures reaching 99°F in Des Moines. - A cold front is expected to bring rainfall and cooler temperatures. - Some areas of Iowa are experiencing dryness, with potential expansion of abnormally dry conditions. • Specialty crop updates: - Cut flower production is increasing in Iowa. - Aster yellows disease is impacting various flower crops. - Basil downy mildew is a significant...2024-08-2845 minWhat in the Weather?8/22/24 - Hot this weekend (with rain?), near normal after that Date: August 22, 2024 Hosts: Dan Fillius (ISU Extension Field Specialist), Justin Glisan (State Climatologist), Madelynn Wuestenberg (ISU Extension Climatology Specialist) Historical Weather Event: Discussed severe thunderstorms in Northern Iowa on August 22, 1989, resulting in golf ball-sized hail and lightning strikes that killed 750 hogs. Lightning Safety Discussion: Hosts debated the safety of showering during lightning storms, referencing CDC guidelines that advise avoiding contact with plumbing during storms. Current Weather Forecast: Upcoming heat expected with mid to upper 90s over the weekend, followed by a return to the 80s. Low chances of thunderstorms statewide, with some areas in southeastern Iowa potentially receiving 1/2 to 1 inch...2024-08-2234 minWhat in the Weather?8/15/24 - Pretty dreamy weather Hosts: Dan Fillius (ISU extension specialist), Dr. Justin Glisan (state climatologist), and Madelynn Wuestenberg (ISU extension climatology specialist). Current date: August 15, 2024 Weather history: Discussed extreme heat in Iowa from August 1988, with temperatures reaching 107°F in some areas. Current forecast: Expect mild weather with highs in the low to mid-80s and lows in the upper 50s to low 60s for the coming week. Recent weather: Nice conditions for the Iowa State Fair, with recent heavy rainfall in some areas. Climate outlook: 6-10 day: Leaning cooler with near-normal precipitation 8-14 day: Mixed temperatures across the state, leaning slightly drier September: Leaning w...2024-08-1534 minWhat in the Weather?8/8/24 - Mostly pleasant temps, mid-August likely a bit warmer than average Historical Weather Event: On August 8, 1897, severe thunderstorms hit southwestern Iowa, causing significant hail and flooding. Current Weather Trends: The podcast highlights a record number of tornadoes (129) for the season and an increase in severe weather events, including 31 occurrences of hail over 2 inches. Recent Rainfall: Central Iowa experienced widespread rainfall, with Pella receiving 7.67 inches last week and other areas reporting 3 to 8 inches. Temperature Fluctuations: The discussion includes a transition from hot to cooler temperatures, with some areas in northern Iowa potentially dropping into the 40s. Forecast for State Fair: The upcoming week is expected to have pleasant weather, with temperatures in...2024-08-0843 minWhat in the Weather?7/30/24 - Hot now with T-storms; Temps and precip lessen later this week Date: July 30th, 2024 Hosts: Dan Fillius (ISU extension field specialist) and Dr. Justin Glisan (state climatologist) Historical weather: On July 30, 1971, Iowa experienced unseasonably cool temperatures Record low of 47°F in Des Moines; some areas reached upper 30s Current weather: Heat dome over Iowa, dividing southwest and northeast Recent squall lines and thunderstorms Heat advisories in effect for parts of the state Short-term forecast: Continued warmth and chance of thunderstorms through Thursday Hotter but quieter weather expected over the weekend Decorah temperatures: 87°F today, 90°F Wednesday, 82°F Thursday Recent weather patterns: Pulse thunderstorms common Below average precipitation last week, but month over...2024-07-3016 minWhat in the Weather?7/25/24 - Bonus Episode: Personal Weather Stations! Weather Station Technology: Dan's personal weather station stopped working, prompting a discussion on what to look for in a new one. Basic weather stations measure temperature and precipitation, but more advanced ones can measure barometric pressure, wind speed, and direction. Historical context: National Weather Service coop stations have provided temperature and precipitation data for 152 years. Importance of proper placement and calibration for accurate wind speed and direction measurements. Types of Weather Stations: Wired vs. wireless weather stations. Different types of anemometers: cup anemometers, wind socks, and sonic anemometers. Tipping bucket rain gauges and heated rain gauges for winter measurements. Forecasting...2024-07-2538 minWhat in the Weather?7/18/24 Cooler weather and not much precipitation! Warmer August possible It's Dan Fillius' birthday (July 18th), and Justin Glisan provides weather information from his birth date in 1980. The weather forecast for the coming week is seasonal with a 30% chance of thunderstorms and temperatures in the low to mid 80s. They discuss recent weather events, including a heat dome and a derecho that affected the Midwest. An EF1 tornado moved through the Des Moines metro area, causing damage but no injuries or fatalities. Dan shares information about a recent Zoom call organized by the University of Wisconsin for growers to ask questions about plant diseases. They discuss various plant issues, including...2024-07-1826 minWhat in the Weather?7/11/24 - Hot this weekend, Cooler temps return afterwards The hosts discuss a significant flooding event in Des Moines on July 11, 1993, which left 250,000 people without water for several day • Current weather conditions: Recent flooding issues are improving, with river levels falling EXCEPT: Major flooding along the Mississippi River affecting multiple locations The first 10 days of July have been about 4°F below average for Iowa Widespread rainfall occurred recently, with the state receiving about 175% of normal precipitation • Recent weather events: Severe hail damage reported in North Central Iowa, affecting soybean and corn fields Multiple waves of thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall to parts of Iowa Remnants of Hurrica...2024-07-1130 minWhat in the Weather?7/3/24 - Slightly cooler than average temps, more rain coming Weather recap: Recent severe weather events, including tornado warnings and heavy precipitation in parts of Iowa Flooding has been an issue in northern, northwest, and parts of southern Iowa Weather forecast: Temperatures are expected to moderate back to normal or slightly below average in the coming week The weekend looks pleasant Cooler nights expected Widespread rainfall is forecast for the 4th of July, with 1.5-2 inches expected in northern Iowa and 0.25-1.25 inches in southern Iowa Rain chances returning Sunday night into Monday Climate outlook: The 6-10 day outlook shows a cool signal for the entire state and a slight...2024-07-0333 minWhat in the Weather?6/27/24 - 1-3" of rain predicted; Temps cooler, but above averageThis podcast highlights the challenges farmers are facing due to recent severe weather events and provides updates on crop progress and pest issues. Recent severe weather events: Significant flooding in Northwest and North Central Iowa, with some areas receiving 7-13 inches of rain over 72 hours Record-breaking river crests on the Big Sioux, Little Sioux, and West Fork of the Des Moines River, surpassing 1993 levels. Multiple funnel cloud sightings and weak tornadoes across the state. Explanation of funnel cloud formation due to strong updrafts and horizontal spin from outflow boundaries Extreme heat, with very high overnight temperatures i...2024-06-2732 minWhat in the Weather?6/21/24 - Warm temps and 1-2"+ rain in T-storms•Historical weather note: Unusually cool weather and frost reported in parts of Iowa on June 21-22, 1902. • Recent weather highlights: Southeast Iowa has been experiencing dryness, reflected in the drought monitor. Northern Iowa has received about 2 inches of rain in the last two weeks. High wind events caused damage to greenhouses and tunnels in northeastern Iowa. • Weather forecast: Unsettled pattern with chances of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in the 90s expected early next week. Northern Iowa may see 3-5 inches of rain in the next 36 hours. At least an inch of rain expected statewide. • Recent w...2024-06-2131 minWhat in the Weather?6/13/24 - Meteorological Spring in Review: Active and Wet Iowa experienced one of the wettest meteorological springs on record for most of Iowa (March-May 2024), ending a long drought that had persisted since 2020. It was the first time since June 2020 that there was no drought anywhere in Iowa, with only abnormally dry conditions remaining in some areas. Precipitation levels were in the top 10 wettest on record for 7 out of 9 climate divisions in Iowa. The wet spring helped replenish soil moisture, stream flows, and shallow aquifers, though deeper aquifers will take years to fully recover. Growing degree days were above average while stress degree days (temperatures above 86°F) were slightly below av...2024-06-1319 minWhat in the Weather?6/6/24 - I Never Ever Saw the Northern LightsWe discussed the rare occurrence of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) being visible in central parts of the United States, including Iowa and Missouri on May 10-11, 2024. The Northern Lights were visible much farther south than usual, including central Missouri, due to a powerful G5 class geomagnetic storm caused by coronal mass ejections and solar flares from the Sun Justin, vividly recalls seeing the Aurora in Columbia, Missouri, around 20 years ago during another strong geomagnetic storm, describing it as brighter than the ones he witnessed in Fairbanks, Alaska The hosts explain how the different colors (green from nitrogen, p...2024-06-0615 minWhat in the Weather?5/30/24 - Slightly warmer, near normal precipitationWeather History and Forecast The hosts discussed the weather history of Iowa in 1951, which saw unusually heavy precipitation after a dry start to the year, echoing the current wet conditions in the state. They provided a forecast for the coming week, predicting 1-2 inches of rainfall from thunderstorms across Iowa, with temperatures in the low 80s during the day and low 60s overnight. The long-range outlooks showed a warm signal for the next 6-10 days, followed by a cooler period in the 8-14 day range, with near-normal precipitation expected. Derecho Event They discussed a derecho (widespread, lo...2024-05-3128 minWhat in the Weather?5/23/24 - Near normal temps except for Friday night, more severe storms possible in SW Iowa Th/F Justin Glisan, the state climatologist, provides updates on the current and upcoming weather forecasts, including precipitation totals, severe weather risks, and temperature outlooks for the next week. Madelynn Wuestenberg shares the Climate Prediction Center's forecasts for temperature and precipitation over different time periods, indicating near-normal conditions for Iowa in the short term. The drought situation in Iowa has significantly improved, with 66% of the state now out of drought conditions and only 20% experiencing moderate drought (D1) Dan Fillius discusses the impacts of the wet weather on weed control, highlighting the effectiveness of pre-emergent herbicides for some growers and the challenges of...2024-05-2339 minWhat in the Weather?5/16/24 - Upcoming week: warmer and wetter than averageKey points: Madelynn found a cicada in her driveway after returning from Missouri and sent a photo to an entomologist, who was excited as it could be a periodical cicada. On May 16, 1997, Sioux City broke both its record high (91°F) and record low (33°F) temperatures for that date, which is highly unusual. The upcoming week's forecast shows potential for wet weather, especially days 4-6, with around 1 inch of rain expected across most of Iowa. Next week should be warmer than average The 8-14 day climate outlook indicates slightly cooler than normal temperatures but nothing extremely cold. Normal temps for...2024-05-1630 minWhat in the Weather?5/9/24 - Where Crickets and Cicadas Sing...Podcast summary generated using Claude.ai and Perplexity.ai The conversation today covers weather forecasting challenges, severe weather impacts on crops, insect pest management for specialty crops like onions, and the unique biology and emergence patterns of the periodical cicadas in 2024. A discussion of Iowa's weather history, including a deadly tornado outbreak in 1918 that caused significant damage and casualties in eastern and northeastern parts of the state. A forecast for cooler temperatures and less active weather over the next few days, followed by warmer temperatures and increased rainfall chances in mid-May, which is typical for Iowa's w...2024-05-0936 minWhat in the Weather?5/1/24 - Active Storm Track continues + Tiling and TillingSummary provided by Claude.ai - There was some light late-season snow in northeastern Iowa on May 1, 1997, though only trace amounts for most areas. - The upcoming week's forecast called for an active storm track with 1.5-3 inches of rain expected across the state, especially in eastern Iowa. Strong thunderstorms and hail were also concerns. - The previous week saw heavy rainfall of 2-4 inches statewide, with higher amounts in southeast Iowa, along with some severe weather and strong tornadoes in western Iowa that caused damage. - Looking ahead, warmer than...2024-05-0131 minWhat in the Weather?4/25/24 - Is this year like 2012? Aster Yellows Phytoplasma WatchEpisode Summary Historical Lightning Incident: In 1902, a resident of Creston, Iowa, was struck by lightning twice during the same storm. Remarkably, he survived both strikes. The first lightning strike rendered him unconscious, but he woke up due to the ensuing heavy rainfall and continued his journey home, where he was struck a second time. Forecast for Iowa: The forecast indicates an active jet stream pulling low pressures across the state. Between now and Sunday, there’s a potential for severe weather in portions of Iowa, including hail, high winds, and possibly tornadoes. Widespread rainfall is e...2024-04-2525 minWhat in the Weather?4/18/24 - Seasonal Outlook: Pacific SpecificsOutline Weather forecasting and climate change with an agricultural climatology extension specialist. Madelynn Wuestenberg shares her educational background and career passion in agricultural meteorology. Justin Glisan discusses Iowa weather history and forecast, mentioning late-season snowstorms and active storm track. Weather forecasting and its impact on crops. Cold temperatures forecasted for Northern Iowa, potentially impacting crop growth. Glisan and Dan discuss how wet soils can moderate temperature extremes Justin explains how wet soils can lead to a rebound or adjustment in temperature forecasts Dan Fillius provides updates on cold-sensitive crops like tomatoes, onions, and asparagus...2024-04-1837 minWhat in the Weather?4/22/24 - Weekly episodes are back starting today!Dan's Meeting Notes Dan Fillius, Justin Glisan, and special guest Madelynn Wuestenberg discuss Iowa's weather history, including infamous tornado outbreaks and recent severe weather events, and provide an overview of the coming week's weather forecast. In the second segment, the speakers discussed the potential for severe weather in the Midwest, particularly during the spring season, and the role of wind in these events. In the third segment, the speakers discussed the recent solar eclipse's effects on weather, and the phenomenon of temperature inversions. Finally, they covered topics such as soil temperature sensors, meteorological events' effects on soil t...2024-04-1133 minWhat in the Weather?3/20/24 - Cooler and wetter for the next week or twoNo summary, the Otter AI transcriber was having technical difficulties today.2024-03-2038 minWhat in the Weather?2/21/24 - Recap of Meteorological Winter and Chilling Hours with special guest Randall VosWhat in the Weather? podcast recording - February Iowa's wettest year and severe winter storm in 1993. Major winter storm brought heavy snow and freezing rain to Iowa in 1993, with totals ranging from 13-20 inches. Weather forecast and climate notables in Iowa. Dan Fillius asks Justin Glisan about the weather forecast for the coming week, with a focus on eastern Iowa. Glisan provides details on the expected precipitation, including a 10th of an inch across the state and a quarter to half an inch in eastern Iowa. In north central Iowa, the frost depth was shallow, around 5 inches, despite cold temperatures...2024-02-2144 minWhat in the Weather?1/10/24 - The Best and Worst of 2023, our first annual review of weather superlativesThis week is a recording of Dan and Justin’s presentation at the 2024 Iowa Specialty Producer’s Conference. This day in Iowa Weather: Record High in Chariton: 68 degrees F (2003) Record Low in Elkader: -36 degrees F (1912) Record snowfall in Boone: 10.4” (2024) We themed this one as an awards show with notable superlatives from 2023 Highest rainfall: 43.83” – Little Sioux Lowest rainfall: 19.18” – Marshalltown Municipal Airport Biggest single rain event total: 8.51” - Burlington 6.5 SSW (8/5/2023) Longest stretch between rainfalls: 29 days: October 28 – November 25, Several stations in North Central IA Hott...2024-01-1058 minWhat in the Weather?12/12/23 - It's seeming like a brown ChristmasSummary Iowa weather and specialty crop growth. Justin Glisan and Trent Ford discuss Iowa weather with Dan Fillius.Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist, explains why North Carolina has a large state climate office despite having a similar setup to other states. Iowa weather history and snowfall patterns. Justin Glisan provides historical snowfall data for Iowa, highlighting isolated heavy snow events in northern parts of the state. Weather history and forecast in the Midwest. Trent Ford discusses a significant snowstorm in 2000 that hit northern Illinois, with 14.5 inches of snowfall in Ch...2023-12-1235 minWhat in the Weather?11/30/23 - Meteorological Fall Recap + Weather Balloons w/special guest Clint MillerSummary Iowa weather history and forecast for the coming week Glisan, Justin: "A significant snowstorm in 1928 fell in a wide band across Iowa, with heaviest snow near Mills and Clinton counties." Glisan, Justin: "After a dry November, an active pattern emerged over the last 10 days with snowfall, ending a very dry start to the month." Glisan and Dan discuss the potential for snowfall and warmer temperatures in Iowa, with Glisan highlighting the uncertainty of the timing and location of these events. Dan questions the accuracy of the temperature predictions, citing a...2023-11-3041 minWhat in the Weather?10/26/23 - Cold Snap, coming soon to a field near youSummary Winter weather forecast and record highs/lows. Dan Fillius and Justin Glisan discuss a major winter storm that hit western Iowa in 1997, with heavy snowfall and drifting. The hosts reflect on the impact of heavy wet snow and plummeting temperatures on snow drifts, and Justin Glisan provides a forecast for the upcoming storm. Glisan, Justin: Large scale low pressure system bringing widespread rain and potential snowfall, with temperatures plummeting into early next week. Dan Fillius: Questions about potential record highs and lows, with newer stations potentially setting their o...2023-10-2629 minWhat in the Weather?10/12/23 - "If you shoot yourself in the foot while standing on a tarp..." What in the Weather? recording Summary Weather history and current conditions in Iowa Justin Glisan, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship climatologist, discusses recent rainfall and temperature patterns in Iowa 10/12/1899, a record-high temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit in Des Moines Dan Fillius expresses disappointment in the radar data availability and requests a link to a higher-resolution radar archive. Weather forecasting and thunderstorms in Iowa Forecast shows potential for heavier rain in northern Iowa. Dan Fillius and Justin Glisan discuss the relationship between synoptic...2023-10-1225 minWhat in the Weather?10/5/23 First Frost/Freeze Watch of 2023Summary Iowa weather and frost potential Justin Glisan and Dan Fillius discuss the weather forecast for Iowa, with a freeze watch issued for northwestern Iowa. Row Crop farmers in northern Iowa may benefit from a killing freeze to kill off remaining green soybean leaves, but a frost of 32°F can also damage specialty crops. Freeze watch issued for northwest Iowa, with potential for frost damage to crops. Basil is particularly tender and can show damage at warmer temperatures, so covering or harvesting early is recommended. Sweet potatoes can take da...2023-10-0525 minWhat in the Weather?9/29/23: Unseasonably warm; Drought eased in NE IASummary Unseasonably cold weather in Iowa. Dan Fillius and Justin Glisan discuss Iowa weather history Unseasonably cold weather set records in Iowa in September, with temperatures falling to 15°F at Sheldon and Sibley. Weather forecast and drought conditions in Iowa. Fog is expected to form easily in central Iowa due to cooling temperatures at night, with possible rain chances in the next few days. Northeastern Iowa is experiencing exceptional drought, with a pocket of dry conditions along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Justin Glisan mentions that 5% of s...2023-09-2922 minWhat in the Weather?9/21/23 - Good weather brings good vibes - Summer Glory Index 2023What in the Weather? recording Summary Iowa weather history and tornado outbreak in 1894 Dan Fillius and Justin Glisan discuss the recent rainfall in Iowa, with Justin explaining how it was concentrated in the northern half of the state and led to widespread amounts, particularly in the southern half. Justin Glisan shares a historical event in Iowa, specifically a violent tornado outbreak in 1894 that killed 53 people and injured over 200, highlighting the importance of understanding severe weather patterns in the shoulder seasons. Weather forecast and seasonal outlook for Iowa ...2023-09-2122 minWhat in the Weather?9/14/23 Pleasant temps, maybe more rain, Drought expands furtherSummary Iowa weather and drought conditions. Justin Glisan: Discusses recent weather events, including hurricanes in the tropics and their potential impact on Iowa. Dan Fillius: Asks Justin about drought records and spring flows in the driftless area, with a focus on the delay or lack of response to the current drought. Glisan, Justin: 1961 was the wettest September ever in southeastern Iowa, with some locations recording their highest precipitation modal totals of any month on record. Glisan, Justin: Ideally, need an inch of rain every week through the end of...2023-09-1427 minWhat in the Weather?9/7/23 Summer 2023, Meteorological Season in ReviewThis episode has poor audio quality due to a recording SNAFU, sorry! Glorious weather right now This Day in Iowa Weather History Weekly weather forecast Drought Expansion Summer 2023 - Meteorological Season in Review Wet bias/Dry bias in weather station reporting, Quality Control of weather data IDALS CLimatology Bureau has great records on their webpage Irrigation makes a difference Crop specific notes 2023-09-0730 minWhat in the Weather?Summer's Last Gasp - Buckle Up! Some daily heat records set in last heatwave 1915: Coolest August on record in Iowa. Heat coming, but with cooler dew points; Precipitation outlooks - nil Melons still looking good, pumpkins close behind Heat has caused harvests to bunch up and ruin succession planning Statewide - high corn earworm pressure ProduceAuctions: how they work 2023-08-3123 minWhat in the Weather?8/24/23 The heat will break soon, but it will stay dry This week in Iowa weather: 1891 frost and record heat in 1936 Weather forecast for the coming week. How do you calculate the dew point temperature? Examining the extremes of Dew Point and "Feels Like" Crops are ripening fast now! The weather outlook for fall. Keep an eye on the precipitation forecast, it might turn wet. 2023-08-2422 minWhat in the Weather?Summer is going out with a bang! This week in Iowa Weather - 1988 heat wave Hot and dry week ahead of us. Record high high temperatures and record high low temperatures? Bacterial canker in the tomatoes Phytophtera not likely in pumpkins except where very wet. Wet conditions causing foliar rot in melons. The end of meteorological summer is around the corner 2023-08-1717 minWhat in the Weather?8/9/23 Water, water everywhere & When life gives you hail, make hail ice cream This day in Iowa Weather History: livestock killed, 4 days later - Hail in the ditches. Rainfall totals for Iowa. When will the storms come through? Synoptic scale vs. mesoscale systems, both happened last week and will happen in the coming week Tornadoes, and rain2023-08-0919 minWhat in the Weather?8/2/23 - "...But it's a Cool Drought" Intensity of rainfall in 1929 What are return periods for precipitation? Cool Drought and Forecast. Thunderstorm driven rainfall today. Worst drought currently in SE Iowa Angular Leaf Spot on melons in Hazleton, IA 2023-08-0222 minWhat in the Weather?7/25/23: Birthdays all around; Present: Heat Wave Historic Heatwave in Iowa in 1930's Heatwaves on the way. Coming out of a cooler stretch Rainfall in southwest Iowa. Derecho and squall line in Southern Iowa 2023-07-2519 minWhat in the Weather?7/20/23 - with Dennis Todey: Right now is on average the hottest time of the year Welcome special guest, Dennis Todey! Current job responsibilities at the Midwest Climate Hub. What’s the forecast for the next week? HOT Keep the irrigation flowing! 2.5" or so during the heat Weather notables from last week. Is the smoke related to cucumber fruit abortion an2023-07-2018 minWhat in the Weather?7/13/23 - Let's hope for more rains like yesterday's! Big rainstorm in Iowa on Wednesday, July 13th The rules of thumb for garlic harvest and onion harvest The squall line that swept across the state Hail reports from Chariton The definition of gravity waves 2023-07-1322 minWhat in the Weather?6/29/23 - Do the Dew-points always equal the overnight low? Introduction to this episode Dan is on vacation Dew point temperatures and overnight low temperatures. 2023-06-2908 minWhat in the Weather?6/22/23 - Degree Days + We are the 99 percent - in drought that is :-( Introduction to today’s episode This day in History - Record last frost in Sibley, IA How growing degree days are calculated Different GDD parameters, CPB Japanese beetle emergence 2023-06-2217 minWhat in the Weather?6/15/23 - Pests galore, and Elkader, IA had a frost on Monday?! On this day in Iowa Weather History Higher dewpoint leads to higher humidity. What’s it going to take to get these dewpoints higher? Dry weather for specialty crops. What Dan has seen out in the field. 2023-06-1519 minWhat in the Weather?6/9/23 - Dew Point, Dry Heat, Record Drought in Iowa90%+ of Iowa is abnormally dry to droughty. Consistent water (that is, irrigation) is key for optimal specialty crops right now! This day in Iowa weather history. Backdoor cold front changes air mass moisture content. Smoke, rainfall, raindrop nuclei Structural drought vs Rapid onset drought. Intro to rain chances El Nino advisory. 2023-06-0921 minWhat in the Weather?6/1/23 - Recap of Meteorological Spring 2023 Drought conditions expanding in the state Popcorn thunderstorms; what does a crop need to survive? Recap of Meteorological Spring Anomalous areas of the state How dust devils differ from tornadoes The most destructive tornado in history 2023-06-0123 minWhat in the Weather?05/24/23 - Still drier than average + How thunderstorms are forceast Air quality and wildfire smoke Justin grows dahlias to enter into the Iowa State Fair! (but he doesn't like tomatoes) The potential impact of temperatures below 50 on tomato plants. Weekly precipitation and temperatures. Synoptic and Meso scales of storm development and movement 2023-05-2425 minWhat in the Weather?05/18/2023 - Almost assuredly no more frosts this spring Intro and notable weather and climate history Cut-off-lows and Omega Blocks Thunderstorms and lessening of drought What is the weather forecast for Iowa? How wildfire smoke impacts crop growth 2023-05-1920 minWhat in the Weather?05-11-23 It's a bird!? It's a plane? It's tennis ball-sized hail! :-( Intro to this week's weather events Thunderstorms around the omega block Hail events in Iowa Hail impacts on field crops What we see on radar and radar artifacts 2023-05-1121 minWhat in the Weather?5/4/23 - Hold on to your hats! The growing season may be shifting into high gear What’s going on with the weather? Dust Storms in the midwest The Dust Bowl and how field practices changed What is the forecast for the coming week? Date of frost in the state Dry time counterintuitively is better than wet 2023-05-0419 minWhat in the Weather?4/27/23 - Cooler, drier weather for the next week; plus "If I were a Drought"If you were a drought, what would be excellent for you? Alternatively, would you rather be a Haboob or El Niño? Also, we learn that Dr. Glisan has a penchant for eating crabapples! An AI-generated summary of our conversation: What is a cold snap? Weather Forecast for the coming week. Seasonal outlooks for the midwest. How deep is the soil moisture in northwestern Iowa? Specialty crops and windy weather. 2023-04-2715 minWhat in the Weather?4/20/23 Understanding frost forecasts "The wonders of numerical forecasting" A look at the long-term weather forecast Cloud to Cloud lightning Data from the Climate Prediction Center Quantitative precipitation forecasts The Synoptic Pattern Does moisture lead to lower chance of frost? Sling Psychrometers Show notes2023-04-2030 minWhat in the Weather?4/13/23 - Hot and dry now, maybe a wetter summer?After a cool, dry March, mid-April is hotter than average! The air is very dry though so it's a dry heat, lol. Climate models are pointing towards summer in Iowa being wetter than the past few years. Will Justin be able to keep his tee time this weekend, or just have to settle for tea time? Show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Aon4SeiKwdqJoHhAXNzdr-FJ4ollh-AvI9PVKfC0pxo/edit?usp=sharing2023-04-1311 min
What in the Weather?Pilot Episode - 4/7/23A look back at meteorological winter, and a look ahead at the coming spring. Also, what the end of three years of La Niña and a return to ENSO neutral conditions might mean for this coming growing season.2023-04-1218 min
smallfarmsustainability's podcastEpisode 196: Recent Weather and Coming Growing Season OutlookWe’re happy to share a podcast from our friends, Dan Fillius, ISU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, and Dr. Justin Glisan, Iowa’s State Climatologist. This episode is the pilot episode and gives a recap of weather this past winter, how it stacks up against past winters, and provides a climate outlook for the coming growing season. Typically this podcast will be for those who want to learn more about weather, its recent impacts on fruits and vegetables, and it’ll provide a climate outlook for the coming week. Stay tuned for details on how to subscribe and future weekly...2023-04-0718 min