What is a Snowicane and is it Forecast Again For Iowa’s Winter?

Learning the new old lingo is something you do when it comes to weather.  There are terms that these smart weather types come up with, and we learn them when specific weather events happen.

For instance, I had no idea what a derecho was.  Then, we found out what one was when it gave our house a one-two punch.  If you're unaware of what a derecho is, the National Weather Service says it's a thunderstorm on a mission to leave a serious impression. Also, how do you pronounce it? If you get its name wrong, does that make it more aggressive?

What Makes It A Derecho?

Derecho is pronounced similarly to "deh'REY-cho." For a storm to earn the prestigious "derecho" title, it has to leave a trail of destruction that stretches over 240 miles (talk about a commitment) and produce wind gusts of at least 58 mph, the perfect amount for your patio furniture to take off for a mini vacation. In short, if a derecho shows up, it means business.

Whose Side Are You On?

Now, for the 2024-25 winter season, these two almanacs couldn’t be more different if they tried. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says it's going to be a warm, dry winter. Meanwhile, the Farmers' Almanac is preparing us for a winter that’s colder and wetter.  So pick your side: do you want a cozy, mild winter or one that makes you feel like you're living in an ice sculpture? Either way, just make sure you have a jacket ready.

What Does the NWS Have to Say?

The NOAA has Iowa sitting in the “who knows?” zone for the winter months, where temperatures could go either way—colder or warmer than usual—during December, January, and February. So, it’s basically like a meteorological flip of the coin. However, for the next three months, it looks like Iowa might lean just a bit warmer than usual. So, you might not need that extra thick winter coat just yet—unless you're planning to hang out in a snowbank, in which case, carry on!

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The Snowicane is Booking A Return Trip

In the Fall of 2023, the Almanacs predicted a snowicane for Iowa.  Iowa did get a decent amount of snow in early 2024, I remember hearing about it from my mother-in-law.  Here is another weather term I'd not heard of.  What the heck is a snowicane?  If it were at a dessert shop talking about this, it would probably be delicious.  When weather people say it, it's probably not as delicious.

What is a snowicane? A snowicane is a term used to describe a hurricane that moves into cold air and produces snow. The 1804 New England Hurricane, also known as the Storm of October 1804, was the first tropical cyclone to produce snowfall. The storm brought heavy snow, rain, and strong winds to the Northeastern United States.

Looks like, as of now, early predictions are that Iowa will be spared the snowicane, but ya never know.  Mother nature has a way of changing things up on us with zero notice.  Family, am I right?