Cold today, Snow tomorrow

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – As winter’s cold grip slowly loosens, temperatures will gradually rise, though not without a few bumps.

Overnight temperatures will slowly increase, and by morning, temperatures will be in the teens with wind chills that are still on the cold side, but no longer below zero.

Clouds will begin to increase tonight as a fast-moving weather system makes its way across the Midwest. This system will bring the possibility of light snow, especially to eastern Iowa, where accumulations of a trace to 1 inch are expected through Wednesday night. While the snow will not be heavy, it could still create some travel disruptions. Visibility may be reduced in spots, and slick patches could make the roads slippery, so drivers should exercise caution and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Even though the snow amounts won’t be significant, the combination of snow and wind could still make travel conditions tricky at times.

After the snow clears out, we can expect a more seasonal shift in temperatures. Highs will rise into the upper 20s, which is closer to what we should expect for this time of year. The trend toward slightly warmer temperatures will be welcomed, but there won’t be a long-lasting warmup just yet. Dry weather will take hold for the upcoming weekend, providing a brief break from the snow and colder conditions. This stretch of dry weather should offer an opportunity for some outdoor activities, though temperatures will remain below freezing during the day. In any case, the gradual shift in temperatures means we may finally be heading toward a more typical winter pattern—cool but not unbearable—at least for the time being.