Potentially Historic Cold Will Follow the Multiple Snowstorms in Eastern Iowa

After Dubuque experienced one of the largest single-day snowfalls in recorded history, and just one day after the city and the Tri-States experienced another dangerous snowstorm on Friday, January 12th, 2024, we are set to experience some potentially historic cold.

According to the National Weather Service and KWWL, a bitter cold snap is going to come and linger following the 9''-13'' of snow we're expected to get on Friday. The cold is supposed to rush into the area on Saturday evening, with actual temperatures struggling to get above 0°F with wind chills reaching as low as -30°F.

The cold is strong enough that the National Weather Service will institute a Wind Chill Watch in effect from Saturday, January 13th - Tuesday, January 16th (and possibly longer). A look at the extended forecast shows lows in the negative teens in the evening, with potential subzero highs during the afternoon:

With that in mind, consider the snow that fell on Dubuque and the Tri-States on Tuesday. It was heavy and wet, what is often referred to as "heart attack snow" due to the strain it can put on someone who tries to shovel it. With these cold temperatures, that snow will freeze and become rock-hard. Accumulation on roadways can freeze and result in slickness that could last for days, regardless of whether or not the sun is out.

The great folks at KWWL have labeled Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday "Yellow Alert Days," and looked at how those days can/will be dangerous times to be outside. In temperatures like this, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes:

Significant cold is on the way. Highs are below zero for Sunday and Monday with lows teens below zero. Wind chills will be dangerously cold as it stays breezy Sunday and Monday with a northwest wind. It’ll be dry with partly cloudy skies Sunday and partly sunny skies Monday. - KWWL's weather forecast for Monday, January 15th, 2024

If you must go out on these days, it's advised to bundle up significantly: multiple layers, hat, gloves, scarf, etc. Try to have as little exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite or even wind burn, due to the strong, heavy winds that could occur these days.

For the latest, be sure to follow both the National Weather Service and KWWL.