I’m sure you’ve heard the old Iowa saying “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few hours”, and that’s a pretty good idea of how our winters typically go. On some days, we’ll be sporting tee shirts and enjoying a sunny day, and the next we might be shoveling out our driveways! While it’s notoriously tough to predict Midwestern weather, The Farmers’ Almanac has been a reliable source of long range forecasts since 1818. Let’s see what they have to say about winter 2020 in Iowa!

We’re all pretty used to snowy, chilly winters. After all, the wind blows hard across these plains!

Flickr / Brad Covington

Unfortunately, the Northern Plains and Midwest look like they’ve got the worst of winter weather coming their way.

Farmers’ Alamanac

You can expect above-average snowfall beginning as early as October and lasting well into the New Year.

Flickr / Katie Haughland Bowen

While there’s no way of knowing for sure if the Polar Vortex will return, temperatures are predicted to be below average, so be sure to bundle up!

Flickr / Brad Covington

Extra snowy weather and extra cold days mean kids might have some more time off from school. Make sure your sleds are out of the shed and ready for the season!

Flickr / Phil Roeder

Winter weather is simply part of life here in Iowa, and no matter how much we complain when it’s coming down, it’s hard to imagine life without it.

Flickr / wiserbailey

Make the best of the cold and snow and plan some sightseeing. After all our, historic barns, farms, and parks are beautiful under a fresh coat of fluff.

Flickr / Rich Herrmann

If you’re a fan of the winter weather, break out those snowshoes and start counting down the days! Read all about 12 Places In Iowa That Transform Into Stunning Winter Wonderlands Each Year.

Flickr / Brad Covington

Farmers’ Alamanac

Flickr / Katie Haughland Bowen

Flickr / Phil Roeder

Flickr / wiserbailey

Flickr / Rich Herrmann

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