The month of February started off springlike across Iowa with temperatures surging well above normal.
On Saturday, afternoon high temperatures were recorded as much as 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal for cities like Sioux City, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Temperatures ranged from the upper 30s to the upper 40s instead of being stuck in the lower to middle 30s.
After another day of highs in the 40s on Sunday, a change in the weather pattern will come just in time for the Iowa Caucus on Monday.
“A cold front is expected to slice southward across the state during Sunday night and Monday, causing major temperature fluctuations as millions of voters head out for the Iowa Caucuses,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
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Forecast temperatures across Iowa are expected to start off in the 20s across the state in the morning, rising only into the 30s for most by the afternoon.
Despite the drastic change in temperatures in just 24 hours, Monday’s conditions are even a little milder than normal.
Normal high temperatures for the beginning of February in Des Moines, Iowa, are right around the freezing mark, 32 degrees. Overnight lows typically dip to around 15 F.
In addition to the chilly conditions, gusty winds of 15-25 mph are expected across the region Monday.
The winds are likely to be more of an annoyance and not likely strong enough to have a major influence on ground travel or cause other problems like power outages. However, it will make it feel even cooler than the actual reading on the thermometer.
AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will start off in the teens on Monday morning, only to peak in the middle 20s in the afternoon.
Voter turnout and election results have been linked to weather conditions in past research conducted by AccuWeather. In a 2016 analysis of overall weather trends and voting data, utilizing L2 as a resource, AccuWeather found that uncomfortable conditions, such as frigid or hot and muggy weather can deter swing voters. Additionally, women were found to be more sensitive to cold conditions than men, and younger voters, aged 18 to 24, have higher turnout rates when the weather is sunny and warm.
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In addition to the chillier conditions, Monday may not be entirely dry across the Hawkeye State.
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While most of the precipitation will stay well west of Iowa, where a storm will dump inches of snow on the Rockies, a swath of freezing drizzle is possible in Iowa on Monday, where temperatures are below freezing.
Untreated sidewalks and roadways could turn slippery for a time, making it trickier for residents to get to the polls.
After the polls have closed, wintry weather is likely to continue in Iowa this week. A swath of light snow is expected to spread across the state Tuesday with temperatures holding in the teens and 20s.
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