Colder Canadian Air Settles Over Eastern Iowa
Winds shifted north as colder air from Canada moved into eastern Iowa, bringing mid-30s lows and a sharp chill through the weekend.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Current Conditions
Winds shifted to north or north-northwest across eastern Iowa, pulling colder air from Canada into the region. Temperatures fell well below freezing Thursday night, with lows in the upper 10s to mid 20s expected Saturday.
Why it matters
The arrival of colder air marks a sharp transition from recent mild conditions across eastern Iowa. Residents face a multi-day stretch of chilly temperatures and gusty winds before a slow warming trend develops.
Forecast observations show wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph Thursday afternoon and Saturday lows falling into the upper 10s to mid 20s. The timing of the chance of showers next Thursday is still subject to change.
The details
Winds strengthened overnight, accelerating the arrival of colder air across the region. Friday brought cloudy skies and highs in the upper 30s to low 40s, while Saturday opened with a very chilly start.
Timeline
Tuesday night (Nov. 11): Overnight lows in the mid 30s as winds shift north.
Thursday (Nov. 12): Cold, windy afternoon with gusts of 20 to 30 mph; temperatures fall well below freezing overnight.
Friday (Nov. 13): Cloudy and cold, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Saturday (Nov. 14): Lows in the upper 10s to mid 20s, with highs in the low to mid 40s.
Thursday next week (Nov. 19): Chance of showers, timing subject to change.
Seasonal Patterns
Mid-November Canadian air outbreaks are a recurring feature of the Upper Midwest's late autumn, following the same northward-to-southward flow that brings sharp temperature drops to Iowa each year. The current cold snap fits that pattern before a gradual warming trend through next week.
Expect freezing overnight temperatures and gusty winds Thursday, so protect exposed pipes and plants before dark. Plan for highs only in the 40s and lows in the teens to mid 20s this weekend when heading outdoors.
The takeaway
Cold snaps like this one arrive quickly once winds turn north, so checking the forecast before weekend plans helps avoid surprises. Keeping a warm layer on hand will matter more than usual until the warming trend takes hold.
What happens next
A warming trend is expected to continue at a slow pace through about midweek next week, with a chance of showers on Thursday next week.
Further reading
For more on how conditions are changing across the state, see Current Conditions in Iowa.
