Iowa’s Least Favorite Spring Tradition: April Snow

Before you get too upset at a story forecasting snow in April, remember it was 91 in Des Moines back on March 21st. Spring in Iowa has a way of being a bit of a weather rollercoaster. April snow might seem surprising, but it is actually very common.

Is April Snow in Iowa Unusual?

According to the Des Moines Register, the answer is no. If you've lived in Iowa for any amount of time, you know that April can bring you heat one day, and winter weather the next. Weather records show that Des Moines has recorded measureable snowfall in 80 of the 142 years that snowfall records have been kept. That's an April snowfall chance of 56%.

How Much April Snow Does Iowa Typically Get?

Usually the amount of April snow that falls in Iowa isn't much. The Register reports that in Des Moines, April snowfall averages around 1.2 inches, and it usually melts quickly. But never rule out an April blizzard. Ask anyone who was alive in 1973. An April snowstorm brought as much as 18 inches of snow to parts of the state, according to the Register. My parents still have pictures of snowdrifts as high as their garage from that storm!

Light Snow Predicted for Portions of Iowa This Week

According to the National Weather Service, some portions of Iowa could see some light snow this week. The Register reports the snow could start Monday and end by Wednesday with minor accumulations expected.

Any show that falls will be gone soon, as highs will be back in the 60s later in the week. Iowa's weather rollercoaster continues!