**Dangerous Blizzard Threat and Life-Threatening Cold Hit Eastern Iowa**
Key Takeaways:
- Wind chills in eastern Iowa are reaching dangerous lows of -30 to -45 degrees Fahrenheit
- Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisories remain in effect through the weekend
- Parts of the Midwest may receive light snow from a major storm system sweeping the U.S.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa — “Blizzard” is trending as life-threatening cold, blustery winds, and the threat of snow push weather systems in the Midwest into a dangerous weekend forecast. As of early Friday, eastern Iowa is under an Extreme Cold Warning with actual wind chill temperatures plunging below minus 40 degrees in some areas, sparking widespread alerts across the region.
Record Cold and Blinding Winds Grip the Midwest
A polar air mass has settled over much of the Midwest, particularly impacting the eastern part of Iowa. As of Friday morning, January 22, 2026, thousands across the state woke up to wind chills between -25°F to -45°F. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning in effect until noon Friday, which will be followed by a continuation of the Cold Weather Advisory until at least Saturday through noon.
Although snowfall is not yet substantial in eastern Iowa, the combination of bitter cold and strong winds has created whiteout conditions in some rural areas, particularly during the early hours of the day. Blustery conditions will continue through tonight, decreasing visibility and increasing the chance for frostbite within 10 minutes of exposure.
What’s Fueling the Dangerous Winter Weather
The extreme conditions are linked to a rare, Arctic-origin air mass moving across central and eastern parts of the U.S. This system is part of a broader trend of increasing polar vortex disturbances, which results in the southward push of frigid Arctic air. This week’s event comes as a massive storm system moves east of the Rocky Mountains, disrupting weather patterns across multiple states.
While Iowa will escape the brunt of the heavy snowfall expected further south and east—affecting metro areas from the Central Plains to the Ohio Valley—a glancing snow event is forecast for Saturday, particularly for areas along and south of U.S. Highway 30. The cold front is accompanied by high pressure that has dried out much of the atmosphere in this region, limiting major snow accumulations. However, meteorologists are keeping an eye on a slight northward shift in the moisture plume that could bring more snow into parts of Iowa than initially forecast.
What Lies Ahead for Iowa and Surrounding Regions
The good news is that by Sunday, the bitter cold begins to subside. Forecast highs will still only reach the single digits or low teens, but it will mark an improvement over the past several days. Wind chills will also moderate closer to zero during the daytime hours. Normal seasonal conditions are expected to slowly return by early next week, although another blast of cold air remains possible by midweek.
Local governments have opened warming centers and continue to urge residents to stay indoors if possible. Additionally, road crews are on alert for blowing snow and icy patches that could make travel hazardous through Saturday.
Accident reports and EMS calls related to cold exposure were already rising by Thursday evening, with health officials strongly encouraging Iowans to avoid prolonged exposure and wear protective thermal layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is blizzard trending?
A: Sub-zero temperatures and wind chills of -30 to -45°F across the Midwest are drawing national concern, along with snow threats from a sweeping storm system.
Q: What happens next?
A: The extreme cold is expected to ease slightly by Sunday, but snow opportunities and another cold snap may develop later next week.
#IowaWeatherAlert
