Prepare for a bitter explosion: the cold front is approaching

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – We’ll be treated to cooler weather as the afternoon progresses, serving as a foretaste of freezing temperatures soon to hit the region.

With today’s highs around 30°C and partly cloudy skies, it feels more like early winter than fall. However, a much stronger system is on the horizon as an Arctic front approaches from the northwest. This front, which will move through the state late Tuesday and Wednesday morning, will not only bring significantly colder air, but will also bring gusty northwest winds that could reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. Such winds will be game-changing as they will drastically reduce wind chills, dropping them into the single digits.

As if that wasn’t enough to send shivers down your spine, this cold front will also be accompanied by snow showers. Although snow accumulations are expected to be small, the impact on visibility and road conditions should not be underestimated. For those planning a trip, it is advisable to remain vigilant and be prepared for slippery conditions that could make the journey from point A to point B quite treacherous.

But the winter weather doesn’t stop there. Just when you think the cold air is about to subside, snowfall arrives again on Thursday, accompanied by a heavier snowfall that sets in by Friday night. Early forecasts suggest a wintry mix could occur over the weekend, further complicating travel plans as people prepare for various weekend activities. As such an active weather pattern emerges, it is clear that temperature and precipitation fluctuations will become a routine part of our forecasts. Expect additional wintry precipitation beyond Saturday, so it’s important to stay informed of developing weather conditions.

In summary, we have a week of dynamic weather ahead of us. As the polar front approaches, stay warm, use caution on the roads and be aware of changing conditions. Winter is officially upon us