We Iowans know that spring weather is often either tremendous or tumultuous, and usually both on the same day. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait an hour.” However, with a little education and some careful planning we don’t have to be victims of springtime circumstances.
March ushers in a fresh new season, with daylight lingering a little longer every day. This spring, the National Weather Service released its Seasonal Outlook for March through May, predicting slightly wetter than average weather with fairly average temperatures for our region.
In Iowa, like much of the U.S., wet weather in the spring often comes in the form of thunderstorms. Although most thunderstorms are seldom more than a drenching rain accompanied by a light show, severe thunderstorms can also occur, bringing about hazards like hail, strong gusty wind, tornadoes and derechos.
Thunderstorms aren’t the only spring hazards. Sweltering temperatures can occur, with Cedar Rapids reaching a record high temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in March 1986 with temperatures climbing throughout the season. Winter weather is also a season-long possibility; the latest snowfall on record for Cedar Rapids occurred May 11, 1966, with half an inch of snow blanketing green grass and new flowers. Locally, an especially frigid March record low of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit was set in 1962.
Given Iowa’s position within both tornado and derecho alleys, it’s little wonder that concerns about how best to stay safe in stormy conditions arise every year. Our portion of the state averages about one derecho annually, and an average of 23 tornadoes occur between March and May. However, some years are more intense than others. Last year the state of Iowa saw 49 tornadoes occurring in both April and May, each after a quiet March, and endured a total of 125 tornadoes in 2024.
One of last year’s tornadoes holds a new unofficial record wind speed as the third fastest recorded on Earth, with estimates ranging between 309 and 318 miles per hour based on data acquired by University of Illinois’ Doppler-On-Wheels. The May 21, 2024 Greenfield, Iowa, tornado tore across the southern portion of the little town.
It’s important to keep in mind areas that are impacted by severe weather one day may contend with snow later that day or the next. Remaining vigilant of changing conditions and keeping an eye on the forecast can help one prepare for everything the weather throws at us.
Recommendations issued by weather organizations suggest that preparing for weather threats ahead of time can vastly aid in the event of a weather emergency. Having a plan that includes knowing where to shelter, where to meet with family or friends, how to get weather alerts and preparing a severe weather readiness kit makes all the difference for people impacted by the worst of what weather has to offer.
By signing up for Kirkwood Weatherwise alerts at kirkwood.edu/explore/public-safety/kirkwood-alert, in addition to using a weather app on your phone and a radio tuned to WMT 600 AM or 96.5 FM, you will have multiple ways to receive crucial weather information.
You can also purchase a dedicated weather radio to keep you in the loop, many of which have an integrated warning system that produces a loud sound to announce warnings, a tool that is particularly useful during overnight events.
There’s a lot of information and a fair amount of planning that goes into severe weather readiness. Working to understand forecasts, learn the differences and threats associated with various weather watches and warnings, and how best to prepare can be overwhelming.
Luckily, there are resources offered by the National Weather Service, the city of Cedar Rapids, and many, many other outlets. Iowa has a fantastic resource, ReadyIowa, that educates on all of these subjects in easy to understand language and provides information on weather alerts, sheltering, planning and preparing for severe weather events throughout the year. Visit ready.iowa.gov to learn more.
After taking time to learn about our changeable and tumultuous spring weather and preparing for any eventualities that may arise, you can be ready to take on whatever springtime circumstance you find yourself in.
Categories: Editorials, Opinion
