10/9/25 - Maybe no frost 'til last week of October?

This Day in Iowa Weather History:

• 1970 early season snowstorm brought 5.1 inches to Sioux City - their earliest 1+ inch accumulation on record

Current Weather Forecast:

• Slight warm-up through the weekend with above-average temperatures
• Isolated chance of showers/thunderstorms overnight and late Saturday into Sunday
• No widespread frost expected through at least October 24th

Climate Outlook:

• 8-14 day outlook: leaning warmer and slightly wetter
• October outlook: warmer with equal chances for precipitation
• La Niña Advisory issued - conditions present and expected to persist through December 2025-February 2026
  • La Niña typically means drier/warmer falls and potential for more winter cold air outbreaks

Recent Weather Notes:

• Past week saw summer-like temperatures 12-16°F above normal
• Statewide average of 72°F (14.7°F above normal)
• Cold front October 5th brought localized heavy rain (1.5-2.5 inches in diagonal band from southwest to northeast Iowa)

Specialty Crop Impacts:

• Fall warmth accelerating fall crop growth (lettuce, etc.)
• Extended season benefiting delayed summer plantings
• Discussion of rice growing in Minnesota and overwintering onion planting strategies
• Tips on managing fall-planted flowers to avoid early flowering

Upcoming Events:

• High Tunnel Short Course - November 12th at Iowa Arboretum, Madrid, IA (registration now open)
  • Topics: high tunnel peach production, transplant watering strategies, high tunnel soil health management
• Impact Squared Virtual Visioning Activity - November 6th, 6-7:30 PM
  • Help inform climate tool development for small-scale and specialty crop farmers
  • $100 Amazon gift card for participants

Bonus Weather Fact:

• First EF5 tornado in over 12 years confirmed in North Dakota (June 2025) - last one was Moore, Oklahoma in May 2013

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