What in the Weather?

Dan Fillius; Justin Glisan; Madelynn Wuestenberg
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NATURE

This one's for you if you want to understand weather better! Join Dan Fillius, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, and Dr. Justin Glisan, Iowa's State Climatologist, as they discuss what is happening in the world of Iowa weather. Every week during the main growing season we'll discuss recent weather, its impacts on fruits and vegetables, and provide a climate outlook for the coming week in Iowa. Let us know what you think, though as Mark Twain once said, "If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes."

  1. FEB 25

    2/25/26 - The Best and Worst of 2025

    What in the Weather – Episode Summary Iowa Specialty Producers Conference | February 24, 2026 | Ankeny, Iowa This episode is a live recording of the What in the Weather podcast session presented at the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference. State Climatologist Justin Glisan and host Dan Fillius cover current weather conditions, a full 2025 weather year in review, and crop and pest impacts for Iowa specialty producers. Current Conditions & Outlook February 2025 has been one of the top five warmest on record; the state is now in a brief cool spell following a significant snowfall event near Waterloo (12–14 inches) Precipitation is at 72% of normal statewide, with northwestern Iowa below 50%; drought conditions are emerging and could worsen if dry weather continues The forecast for early March shows a warm and wet signal, which typically brings increased thunderstorm activity 2025 Weather Year in Review 2025 was the 25th warmest year on record (1.3°F above average); the past five years are the warmest five-year period on record June and July were exceptionally humid — dew points above 70°F were recorded on more than half of July's days, producing heat index values near 109°F The second wettest July on record was followed by a dry fall — Red Oak went 33 days without measurable precipitation Iowa recorded 36 tornadoes in 2025, below the average of 44, with no fatalities 2025 Weather Superlatives Coldest stretch: Feb. 10–22, with daytime highs as low as -20°F (NW Iowa) and a dew point of -29°F in Sioux County Warmest overnight low: 82°F in June (Quad Cities) Highest temperature: 101°F, Little Sioux (June 20) Coldest overnight low: -23°F, Fayette Biggest single rain event: 8.64 inches in Decorah Wettest location: Boone at 47.84 inches; driest: Randolph at 24.56 inches Longest growing season: southeastern Iowa; shortest: northwestern Iowa Crop Impacts Low winter precipitation in 2024–25 led to garlic winter damage on multiple farms Wet June and July caused widespread disease, delayed plantings, and poor early fruit set in tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant Worst-performing crops: onions (waterlogged soils), watermelons, and summer broccoli (heat and disease) Best-performing crop: tomatoes — scarce supply drove strong prices, with tunnel growers fetching ~$4/lb late in the season; late-planted fall carrots were a standout surprise Pest & Disease Highlights Top insect pests: aphids (especially damaging on fall and winter greens) and onion thrips  Top diseases: pepper anthracnose, Alternaria on brassicas, and southern rust in corn Management tips discussed include pre-transplant aphid dips with M-Pede or Suffoil-X, interplanting sweet alyssum to attract beneficials, and a conventional onion thrips spray rotation using Movento and Radiant per the 2026 Midwest Veg Guide Podcast summary generated using Claude.ai

    32 min

  2. JAN 28

    1/28/26 - It's cold, but still warmer on average

    Episode Summary Topics Covered: • 00:00:29 - Iowa Weather History (January 27-28, 1977): The devastating 1977 blizzard that struck northern and eastern Iowa with winds up to 55 mph, 6-foot snow drifts, and wind chills dropping to negative 60 to negative 90 • 00:01:32 - Weekly Weather Forecast: Warming trend ahead with temperatures climbing from teens/20s to the 30s by Monday/Tuesday; quiet storm track with most action on southern and eastern coasts of the country • 00:02:32 - Extended Climate Outlook (6-14 Days & Beyond): February 2-10 looking warm and dry for upper Midwest; discussion of Arctic Oscillation Index and its role in predicting cold air outbreaks 2-3 weeks in advance • 00:06:35 - February Weather Predictions: Analysis of weak La Niña patterns, snowpack comparisons (Siberia vs. Europe), and potential for more cold outbreaks and snowfall in second-half of February due to meridional flow • 00:09:02 - December 2025 & Year in Review: December was 65th coldest on record; November-December was 6th snowiest combined period in 130 years; 2025 was 25th warmest year on record with 2020s being warmest decade for Iowa • 00:12:24 - Climate Change & Polar Vortex Connection: How warming Arctic (3x faster than mid-latitudes) leads to more extreme cold air outbreaks; Des Moines is 5 degrees warmer in winter than 30 years ago; explanation of jet stream meanders and persistent weather patterns • 00:15:30 - Arctic Sea Ice & Feedback Loops: Discussion of albedo/reflectivity, salinity changes in Arctic Ocean, and how melting sea ice creates positive feedback warming cycle • 00:16:54 - Future Temperature Projections (2050-2071): Models show 20-30 days of 95°+ temperatures in summer with heat indices reaching 125-140°F; cold outbreaks will be less frequent but more extreme • 00:19:45 - Specialty Crop Impacts:  • 00:20:43 - Research Spotlight - Sumisansui Irrigation: Ben Phillips' (Michigan State) study on Japanese micro-perforation irrigation hoses; effectiveness for germination and cooling; limitations with wind susceptibility and vegetation blocking • 00:24:07 - Broccoli Production Master Class: Thomas Bjorkman's comprehensive presentation covering hollow stem issues, variety selection, spacing strategies, and the unique challenge of cooling meristematic tissue that generates heat even after harvest • 00:27:40 - Organic Veg Production Conference: Highlights from online conference including Flint Wiswall's (Cate Farm) innovative bench-moving systems for transplant production • 00:29:21 - Looking Ahead: Preview of next episode - the annual "best and worst" superlatives show recording from Iowa Specialty Producers Conference in late February Episode summary generated using claude.ai

    30 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    12/18/25 - This Warm December

    Podcast Summary Weather History & Current Conditions (December 18, 2025) Historic perspective: December 18, 1976 saw unseasonably warm temps reaching 64°F in Des Moines Recent pattern shift from active Alberta Clippers bringing light, fluffy snow to warmer, drier conditions Flash freeze warning for today as cold front passes through with potential snow squalls White Christmas Outlook Historical probabilities: Rock Rapids (70%), Des Moines (39%), Fort Madison (30%) 2025 forecast: Unlikely for white Christmas anywhere in Iowa due to warming trend and dry forecast through month's end Reflects broader trend of warming winters and transition from snow to rain/mixed precipitation Climate Forecast Next 7 days: Unseasonably warm (40s) and dry as polar vortex retreats north 6-14 day outlook: Strong signal for above-normal temps and dry conditions across western Iowa January-March: Equal chances on temperature, lean wet for eastern Iowa quarter Spring outlook: Potential transition to ENSO neutral conditions (70% probability), similar to pleasant spring 2025? December Snow Recap Fourth snowiest November on record for some stations Keokuk Lock and Dam (records since 1894) and Toledo (records since 1884) saw snowiest November-December period Multiple Alberta Clippers dropped 2-3 inches each, totaling 5-7 inches statewide December 14th storm caused I-80 closures and treacherous driving conditions Specialty Crop Updates Melcast System: Fungicide timing tool for melon growers will be available for Iowa locations (web-based platform from Indiana) Caterpillar Tunnels: Rolling Acres Produce Supply in Drakesville now manufacturing local tunnel kits with prefab end walls with doors Great Lakes Expo Recap: Major Midwest fruit/vegetable conference in Grand Rapids  Annual Strawberry Production: New technique shared—rooting bare-root plants in plug trays for 6 weeks before July 15th planting optimizes yield and reduces runner management Upcoming Last episode of 2025 Live recording at Iowa Specialty Producers Conference, February 24th in Ankeny January episode will come, but unknown date right now. Podcast summary generated using claude.ai

    28 min

  4. 12/03/2025

    12/3/25 - Bundle Up! Plus Fall Recap, and Snowfall Totals from Thanksgiving

    Weather Forecast & Outlook: Alberta Clipper brings nose dive in temperatures with wind chills in negative teens to negative 20s Quiet storm track ahead with possible flurries Saturday night December outlook: below normal temperatures for entire state, slightly below normal precipitation for southern/western Iowa Recent Weather Highlights: Recent snowstorm (8.5" statewide average) makes November rank as 5th snowiest on record  Fort Dodge recorded up to 16.5 inches of snow November and fall 2025 both ran about 3-4°F above average 7th warmest fall in 153 years of record Specialty Crop Impacts: Managing overwintered greens in high tunnels during frigid temperatures - use supplemental heat, and internal covers When growing greens for overwintering in warm fall weather, aggressively vent tunnel warmth to slow crop growth. Strawberry mulching timing and techniques - wait for dormancy (several nights around 20°F) before applying straw or row cover This Day in Weather History: December 2-3, 1990: Major snowstorm dropped 6-15" across Iowa with blizzard conditions Winds gusted to 69 mph at Cresco University of Iowa bubble dome collapsed under heavy snow, causing $2 million in damage Other Topics: Iowa corn and soybean yields hit record highs (215 bu/acre corn, 65 bu/acre soybeans) Discussion of July cloudiness and potential impacts on melon yields in southeast Iowa

    25 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    11/6/25 - Killing Frost this weekend...then warmer again

    Weather Forecast: Big winter cooldown coming this weekend with lows in the teens and highs in the upper 20s-low 30s Potential snowfall of 1-5 inches across northern Iowa Saturday into Sunday Temperatures warming back to the 50s early next week Leaning warmer and slightly wetter pattern continues in 8-14 day outlook (Nov 13-19) Historical Weather: Looking back at the November 6, 1990 snowstorm that brought up to 8.5 inches of snow and a record low of -1°F Recent Conditions: Six consecutive weeks of above-average temperatures ended with near-normal conditions at the end of October Western Iowa received a quarter of its monthly precipitation in just two days Fall foliage peaked with recent windy conditions Specialty Crop Impacts: Urgent: Harvest root crops (carrots, beets, radishes) before weekend freeze Protect lettuce with low tunnels; spinach and garlic can withstand cold Venting strategies for high and low tunnels to prevent moisture buildup and acclimate crops to cold Plant garlic now if you haven't already Tips on heating high tunnels for winter production Looking Ahead: The podcast moves to a monthly schedule for the winter with the next episode on Wednesday, December 3rd.

    21 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    10/23/25 - So...about that frost that just happened

    Historical Weather: On October 23, 1908, southwestern Iowa received significant early snowfall—up to 11 inches in Clarinda Current Frost Event: 57 of 160-200 weather stations recorded temperatures at or below 32°F this week, though not considered meteorologically "widespread" Weather Forecast: Stable pattern for next few days, then rain chances Sunday night through Tuesday (0.5-1+ inches expected across most of the state) Temperature Outlook: Warmer than normal for late October/early November; synoptic-scale flow patterns emerging Climate Prediction Center: Slight warm signal and near-normal precipitation for Oct 30-Nov 5; Iowa is in climatologically driest time of year Frost Timing Discussion: Average first 32°F freeze occurs early October in northern Iowa, mid-October in central Iowa, and late October in southern Iowa—this year's frost came slightly later than average Crop Updates: Time to harvest sweet potatoes after frost damage; garlic planting research shows August 30 plantings can yield better than traditional Halloween planting Winter Outlook: La Niña conditions suggest increased variability with potential for polar vortex outbreaks, especially in second half of January and February; Minnesota may see patterns similar to 2013-2014 winter Snowfall Predictions: Team made guesses for first 1-inch snowfall at Des Moines airport (average date: Nov 26-Dec 3) summary generated using claude.ai

    22 min

  7. 10/16/2025

    10/16/25 - Widespread frost not likely until November

    Weather History & Current Conditions Historical note: In 1950, Des Moines saw a 14° temperature spike in 5 minutes during a thunderstorm, reaching 87° due to prefrontal warming Current forecast: Cold front Friday with showers/thunderstorms, then cooler temps - returning to seasonal averages (mid-60s highs, upper-40s lows) Frost Watch Only 5 Iowa stations have hit freezing so far (Elkader, Sioux Center at 31°, Stanley, Spencer and Mason City at 32°) No widespread frost or freeze expected through end of October Growers advised to protect tender crops like basil during low-40s temperatures Precipitation & Long-Range Outlook Southwestern Iowa received 3 inches of rain (nearly a month's worth) Winter outlook shows classic La Niña pattern: leaning cold in northwest Iowa, wet in eastern Iowa for December-February Warmth persisting through end of October with near-normal precipitation Specialty Crop Updates Root crop harvest underway Spinach showing Cladosporium (fungal disease) in high tunnels—venting recommended Resources shared: eGRO water testing guide, corn earworm management in cut flowers Upcoming Events Albert Lea Seed cover crop show next Friday in Ames High tunnel short course November 12th at Iowa Arboretum featuring Becca Rudebusch, Dan Sheild, Brian Krug, and Natalie Hoidal summary generted using claude.ai

    18 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    10/9/25 - Maybe no frost 'til last week of October?

    This Day in Iowa Weather History: 1970 early season snowstorm brought 5.1 inches to Sioux City - their earliest 1+ inch accumulation on record Current Weather Forecast: Slight warm-up through the weekend with above-average temperatures Isolated chance of showers/thunderstorms overnight and late Saturday into Sunday No widespread frost expected through at least October 24th Climate Outlook: 8-14 day outlook: leaning warmer and slightly wetter October outlook: warmer with equal chances for precipitation La Niña Advisory issued - conditions present and expected to persist through December 2025-February 2026 La Niña typically means drier/warmer falls and potential for more winter cold air outbreaks Recent Weather Notes: Past week saw summer-like temperatures 12-16°F above normal Statewide average of 72°F (14.7°F above normal) Cold front October 5th brought localized heavy rain (1.5-2.5 inches in diagonal band from southwest to northeast Iowa) Specialty Crop Impacts: Fall warmth accelerating fall crop growth (lettuce, etc.) Extended season benefiting delayed summer plantings Discussion of rice growing in Minnesota and overwintering onion planting strategies Tips on managing fall-planted flowers to avoid early flowering Upcoming Events: High Tunnel Short Course - November 12th at Iowa Arboretum, Madrid, IA (registration now open) Topics: high tunnel peach production, transplant watering strategies, high tunnel soil health management Impact Squared Virtual Visioning Activity - November 6th, 6-7:30 PM Help inform climate tool development for small-scale and specialty crop farmers $100 Amazon gift card for participants Bonus Weather Fact: First EF5 tornado in over 12 years confirmed in North Dakota (June 2025) - last one was Moore, Oklahoma in May 2013 podcast summary generated using Claude.ai

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

This one's for you if you want to understand weather better! Join Dan Fillius, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, and Dr. Justin Glisan, Iowa's State Climatologist, as they discuss what is happening in the world of Iowa weather. Every week during the main growing season we'll discuss recent weather, its impacts on fruits and vegetables, and provide a climate outlook for the coming week in Iowa. Let us know what you think, though as Mark Twain once said, "If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes."

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Fillius; Justin Glisan; Madelynn Wuestenberg
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    What in the Weather?