The following content is summarized from the What in the Weather Podcast by Dan Fillius, Justin Glisan, and Madelynn Wuestenberg.
You can find more information about weather impacts on specialty crops and home horticulture on Dan Fillius' website and information from today's podcast on the latest newsletter.
7-day Weather Forecast - Dr. Justin Glisan
Temperature
Seasonal temperatures are expected next week, with a mix of clouds and sun after the current active pattern eases. A cold front is expected to pass on Sunday bringing temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s.
Precipitation
The "ring of fire" brings another active weather week, bringing widespread rain chances across the state throughout the next 4 to 5 days. Rainfall amounts will be highly variable due to the convective nature of the storms this week. Ensemble models indicate at least 1.5 inches across much of Iowa, with a swath of higher accumulation from central to eastern Iowa, with totals as high as 3-4 inches. Refer to local point forecasts from the National Weather Service for the most up to date information on your forecast.
Trivia Question - Madelynn Wuestenberg
What is the leading cause of weather related fatalities in the U.S.?
Tornadoes
Flooding
Extreme heat
Lightning
Climate Outlook - Madelynn Wuestenberg
8-14 Day Outlook (August 19-25)
Temperature: Temperatures have a 40-50% of leaning above normal, with a slight increase in probability (50-60%) in very southern Iowa.
Precipitation: Greatest chances for near normal precipitation in Iowa. At this time, the state averages around a half to one inch of precipitation per week. Climatologically, weekly precipitation totals are beginning to taper as we get closer to fall.
Hazards: Between August 20-26th, there is a slight risk (20-40%) for extreme heat. Take care when spending extended time outdoors (such as at the last few days of the Iowa State Fair).
3-4 Week Outlook (August 22-September 4)
Temperature: Equal chances for above-, below-, or near-normal in Iowa.
Precipitation: Slight signal for below-normal precipitation in Iowa.
Past Week of Weather - Madelynn Wuestenberg
Temperature
After last week's podcast recording, the temperatures momentarily cooled, but warmed again over the weekend and have stayed warm through the beginning of this week. Conditions for the past couple of days have been hot and humid, with thunderstorms already underway for the week.
- Hottest Place: Lamoni in Decatur County, 94 degrees F on August 11th.
- Coldest Place: Spencer Municipal Airport, 47 degrees F on August 8th.
Precipitation
There was highly variable rainfall across the state, with some locations, especially in northwestern Iowa, receiving only a trace, with others receiving just over 3 inches.
- Wettest Place: Nashua in northeast Iowa, 3.04 inches.
- Driest Place: Rock Rapids in Lyon County, Trace.
Other Notable Weather
Storms caused significant damage in eastern Iowa to crops, trees, powerlines, farm buildings, and homes. Last Friday, there was an EF-2 tornado reported near Fairbank in Buchanan County and an EF-1 tornado reported in Prairieburg in Linn County. On Tuesday, three EF-1 tornadoes were reported in eastern Iowa, along with damaging winds and hail.
This summer's high dew point temperatures have felt oppressive, but summer 2025 actually had higher average dew points. The summer of 2025 holds the number 4 record for highest average dew point temperatures at 65.17 degrees F. 2026, however, does hold the number 2 record for greatest maximum feels like temperature in Des Moines at 119 degrees F. Still, average feels like temperatures since June 1st are comparable between 2025 and 2026.
Trivia Answer: Extreme Heat
This day in Iowa Weather History - Dr. Justin Glisan
"Okay, go back to 1974. Two violent tornadoes produced F4 damage in eastern Iowa. The first struck southern sections of Ryan and Delaware County, damaging or destroying several dozen houses, St. Patrick's Church, a school, and two businesses. The church and 20 of the homes were completely destroyed, and 12 people were injured in Ryan. The second tornado struck rural parts of southeast La Dora and Iowa County, injuring 2 people and completely sweeping away a farmhouse."
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on August 12, 2026. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
- Weather and Climate Extension Specialist