Good afternoon everyone! This will be a brief update regarding the weather through Saturday. A weak pulse of energy is bringing scattered “bursts” of snow to northern MO as of 3:20pm CST. Some flurry activity can also be noted in northeastern IA. This activity gradually spreads southeastward tonight with drier trends expected after 12am CST tonight.
Simulated radar through 12am CST tonight: This pulse of scattered snow showers continues to work southeastward across eastern MO through the evening hours, bringing a narrow area of light snow accumulations. Some light snows showers are also possible further north in eastern IA before lifting east this evening. The main pulse of snow that progresses through eastern MO this evening will push off to the east along with the upper-level low tonight, with virtually all areas of IA and MO dry by 12am CST tonight. Definitely be mindful of any slick spots due to the scattered snow showers and falling temperatures.
Here’s a look at total snowfall through 12am CST tonight: Generally most areas across northeastern/east-central MO will receive a coating to 0.5″ of snow with this wave of as it will be quick-hitting. However, within the heavier batches of snow, some localized areas may pick up 1″+ of snow before the system exits tonight. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect across northeastern MO this evening for these light snow accumulations. Very light snow amounts of around a coating are possible in eastern IA.
With the arctic front passing through the region this evening into tonight, temperatures will quickly fall into the teens for most areas by Saturday morning. Given the recent snows, any areas with remaining snow cover will likely fall into the single digits with areas across IA possibly observing this due to the strength of the cold blast. Models (like the one shown below) are likely underdone with the extent of the cold. There’s a chance a few isolated locations can observe wind chills near 0ºF Saturday morning in IA and northern MO.
A virtually dry Saturday is in store for the area with high pressure settled overhead. There will be a storm system traversing the Northern Plains Saturday that could clip the far northern portions of IA with light snow showers. However, given the extent of dry air at the surface, most of this precipitation will have a difficult time reaching the ground. Instead, upper-level clouds will dominate the state of IA as it remains draped along the southern periphery of this system. A lack of energy and drier air will promote clearer skies across MO with temperatures remaining limited in the upper 20s to upper 30s.
Simulated radar from 9am CST Saturday through 12am CST Sunday depicts the very light snows clipping the far northern portions of IA Saturday afternoon and evening. There is a high probability that most of this fails to reach the surface, but we can’t rule out a few snowflakes overcoming the dry slot in the lower-levels and making it to the ground. Everywhere else will remain dry.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great weekend!