Cold and windy afternoon, a wintry mix at the end of the week

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Cold and windy weather has returned as an arctic front sweeps across the region, sharply changing conditions.

Gusty northwest winds exceeding 30 mph will cause temperatures to plummet, with many areas experiencing steady or falling readings throughout the day. Wind chills have already dropped into the single digits and are expected to fall below zero overnight. When traveling, be sure to dress in layers and minimize skin contact to prevent frostbite.

While Thursday looks to be a calmer day weather-wise, the cold temperatures will remain. It will be difficult to reach highs and wind chills will remain bitter throughout the day. Southern portions of the area have a small chance of a snow shower, but most will remain dry under partly to mostly cloudy skies.

Your first alert: Late Week Winterry Mix

Friday will start calmly with lighter winds and temperatures starting to moderate slightly. However, a more active pattern is emerging. A wintry mix could move in late Friday evening due to the developing weather conditions. Freezing rain could occur, particularly overnight into early Saturday, bringing the possibility of slick roads. If you have travel plans, exercise caution and check current road conditions.

As the system strengthens and moves northward on Saturday, temperatures are expected to rise, changing precipitation to mostly rain. Despite the warming trend, roads may still be slick early in the day before the freezing precipitation transitions to rain.

Your first warning: More wintry weather ahead

Looking ahead to next week, temperatures are expected to continue to weaken and climb into the 30s and 40s. This is well above average for this time of year and continues a pattern of above average conditions. However, there is a return to wintry precipitation on Monday and Wednesday as weak disturbances continue. These events could bring a mix of rain and snow and impact travel.

As an active weather pattern takes hold, it is important to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts. Although no major storms are expected, fluctuating temperatures and intermittent precipitation will keep us on our toes as we face wintry conditions.