Cold air locally, icy conditions ahead

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Dry weather returns Thursday night into early Friday. Overnight lows will fall into the single digits above zero, followed by intraday highs in the 20s to 30s on Friday. While the day will start off mostly dry, it will remain fairly cloudy until the next storm system approaches.

Your first warning: Icy conditions possible

On Friday, a low pressure area is expected to develop southeast of us, tracking northeast and likely passing near the Iowa-Missouri border. Ahead of this system, moisture will move into the area, resulting in freezing rain and drizzle late Friday evening into Saturday morning.

As the system strengthens, it will draw in warmer air and turn much of the area into rain by Saturday. Slippery roads are likely. Current indications are that temperatures will climb above freezing in many areas by Saturday afternoon.

Any ice formation could quickly lead to travel problems. While precipitation amounts remain uncertain due to the system’s route and timing, poor travel conditions are possible across much of the viewing area Friday night into early Saturday. If you have travel plans, consider adjusting them – it might make sense to leave earlier on Friday or later on Saturday.

Your first warning: Active weather continues

Sunday offers a break from the wet weather with mostly cloudy skies, weaker winds and milder temperatures. Lows will range from the upper 20s to lower 30s while highs will reach the upper 30s to lower 40s. Looking ahead to early next week, rain is likely on Monday as another storm system moves through. Temperatures should remain warm enough for it to rain most of the day. Cooler air returns on Tuesday and highs fall back into the 30s and lows into the 20s for the rest of the week.

Another system could bring snow to the Midwest by Wednesday. While it is still too early to be precise, it is a time to closely monitor how the forecast develops. Stay with us for the latest information on this active stretch of weather!