NEW BLOG -- Update Links

Well I am beginning a transition to a new blog, and eventually a new website. With the completion of my meteorology degree, and the start of my family I will likely be leaving the state of Iowa within some amount of time. Thus the need to change my site away from its' association to Iowa...

To check out the new blog, please go to the following link and let me know what you think. The new layout (still in work), as well as the new color choice(s). I hope to refine it in the coming weeks to something that is suitable to the readers, so please give some comments! Thanks

New Blog - Severe Plains Blog

Been A Long Time...

I kept telling myself that it had been a long time since I had gotten an update on the blog. And I figured as we start to see the first flurries of snow fall across northwest Iowa tonight that this is as good as time as any to give a nice little, welcome snow message.

I've been very busy as of late since my last updates... Been spending lots of time with my now nearly 5-month old son, as well as my new wife (got married last weekend). And trying to find work, applying for jobs, and actually working...

I shall try to get into a better routine now that a few things, like the whole wedding, are now crossed off the list. Hope those across the northwest half of the state can enjoy their snow flurries tonight and into tomorrow morning. Look for a few more shots of snow through the weekend before a warm-up looks to return to the state.

TWISTEX & Other Chasers

Today was forecasted to be another potentially significant day of severe weather with an increased tornado potential across the plains states. Unfortunately for all of the groups out there that are doing research, from my TWISTEX buddies, to VORTEX2, and to all of the other chasers out there, today once again turned to be a big disappointment from a tornadoes standpoint.

The tornado reports today came across eastern Kansas during the early afternoon storms that were likely triggered and aided by the morning MCS. Other reports came across the high plains of Colorado where little risk was expected, and even a stray report in Nebraska that was a very brief and likely a landspout. Sunday was expected to be a strong day for thunderstorms and tornado potential, while the thunderstorm aspect wasn't a disappointment with hail larger than 5 inches in diameter, the tornado reports that may have verified were all brief and weak. This year is the lowest since 2005 as far as tornado reports, and is nearly 200 tornadoes below the last 4-year average. While there are plenty of chasers who have still had a good year, most are still very disappointed in the year thus far.

Thus, I am not too disappointed that I have had to miss this years' activities due to the birth of my first little boy. Here's to a hope that we can continue the mediocre year well into June and into this fall over the northern plains.

While I'm on the context of other chasers including TWISTEX, I would like to give my little shout-out to the group that is chasing as a part of the Discovery Channel Storm Chasers crew. TWISTEX is being displayed as a professional and pure scientific research group, as that is what they are! Tim Samaras, Dr. Bruce Lee, Dr. Cathy Finley, and Tony Laubach among others have had some luck this year; they were able to have a successful mission out in Wyoming last week as well as many others. Be sure to follow their updates as I post them on their website: http://www.twistex.org

Brayden James Prentice

The next-generation storm chaser was born early this morning, May 12, at 1:56 AM.

Brayden James Prentice was 20" and weighed 7 lbs 5 oz!

Unofficial Meteorologist

As mentioned in this mornings' update, I walked off of the Iowa State University campus a short time ago early this afternoon after my last final as a student here at ISU. This makes me for the time being, an unofficial meteorologist, not having my true degree in my hand until later this summer when they are mailed out. Nonetheless, I have made it through semester upon semester of Calculus, Calculus-based Physics, Dynamic Meteorology, and any other fun classes along the way. I managed to complete a senior thesis last fall, and even present it at a national conference! Better yet, I got to spend the past four years getting to know a few hundred people that I can recognize daily. Quite a few in which they can be called my friends... The end of an era I suppose, but definitely the start of another that can hopefully be just as good, if not a little bit better!!

Fairwell Ames, Iowa

In the same tune as Tony Laubach's last post, today is my last day of college at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Spent the past four falls and springs on-campus, enjoying the college life and getting my work done. As of approximately 1:30 PM this afternoon I will be leaving the campus as a student for the last time, and an unofficial meteorologist. The only thing between me and my Bachelor's of Science in Meteorology is about a months wait until the university mails it out. With other obligations back home, I will also be leaving Ames this afternoon, with my vehicle packed full of things I have gathered down here for the past four years.

I know I will be back, but it simply is not the same when I'm not a student; rather a graduate. Let's hope this means a good season of severe weather in the northern plains, as I have a few things planned out for this first summer being a true meteorologist... I'll be filling in those details in the coming days! Stay tuned...

Cooler Monday

Cloud cover and isolated showers kept temperatures a bit cooler today across parts of the state. Highs in the upper 40s and 50s across much of the northern two-thirds of Iowa were likely an artifact of the clouds and rain. The southern portions of the state did however see the sun throughout the afternoon, and despite the northwesterly winds they managed to reach into the upper 50s and lower 60s for highs this afternoon. As I mentioned in the previous sentence, the entire state saw strong northwesterly winds. Gusts in the 30s were common, with even a few sites in south-central Iowa seeing 41 mph gusts!


Look forward to rising temperatures through Thursday this week, as highs increase into the 60s tomorrow; 60s and 70s on Wednesday; and well into the 70s on Thursday. It was also brought to my attention today that The Weather Channel has been displaying forecasted temperatures well into the 80s!! This afternoon they still had a high of 88 for Ames later this week... While highs in the 80s across the state are certainly possible, I don't think we'll be seeing nearly 90 anytime this week. Just another reason that I like to tell people that The Weather Channel is terrible at forecasting!!

Book Pre-Release: Natural Scenes

As I mentioned within a previous post, a book featuring images that I've taken over the course of the last several years is being released for sale. I've got a good amount completed, and thus have issued a pre-release sale for the book as you can find on the newly designed and opened ChaserSupply. You can read more information on the sale page at ChaserSupply, but if you enjoy any of the images that have been posted on the blog here you are sure to love the images in this book!






While the book is a little on the pricey side, I have to admit that, it is a solid book that is made to be used on your coffee table for all to enjoy. The hardcover is just that, a hard cover with full color images on the front/back that is sure to get you and your guests attention. If you would really like to purchase the book, send me an email (photos@iowachaser.com) with your request and will send you some information on how you can receive a discount by reading my blog!

Once again, my premier release of the book Natural Scenes to be shipped out on December 10, 2008 is now available for pre-orders!

A Few Updates...

Been a busy last couple of weeks on my end, which may be why you aren't seeing as in-depth forecasts and as frequent forecasts as usual. Currently working on finishing a thesis project entitled "Synoptic Environments Associated with Significant Tornadoes in the Contiguous United States". Once it is completed I will be sure to post a link here and give some more information about it... My plan is to have it fairly well finished over Thanksgiving break next week, meaning only touch-ups have to made before it is ready to be presented on Dec. 8th. A few other school projects were mixed in last week, and then throw in the GRE (Graduate School Admissions Test) to finish off the week with enough stress for the entire semester!

This week is calmer, with the looking forward to next weeks' long vacation to get work done. Nonetheless, still plenty to be done before I can really relax and get into some great forecasting.

I will likely have another update later this week or very early next week pertaining to a photo book that I will be releasing. So if you've enjoyed some of the photography that I've had on here before, and are looking forward to some new pictures be ready to purchase this book! It will likely be available in both hardcover and softcover, and be a 10x8" book full of high quality color pictures!

As for the weather, the lows on Tuesday morning were definitely in the chilly category ranging from 11 degrees in Spencer and Estherville to the lower 20s in a few southern locations. This mornings' temperatures were much better in the mid 20s to lower 30s, but a cold front currently sweeping across the state hamper the highs for much of the state. Windy and chilly conditions for the latter half of the week mean some wind chills that most will not enjoy. The forecasts are also leaning to a brief system that will likely sweep down through the state on Friday night. With limited moisture and its' quick movement, it isn't likely to be anything special, but with the cold temperatures we'll definitely see some snowfall with minor accumulations being possible for parts of the state.

2009 Weather Calendars!

The Iowa State student chapter of the American Meteorological Society has completed our 2009 Weather Calendar! This is our main fundraiser for the year, in which the proceeds go towards several of the community outreach events that we do such as elementary school talks. The calendars are printed on glossy, card stock paper, and feature great images that were all taken by our members! Four of the images in this years' calendar are taken by yours truly, including the front cover photo.

If you wish to order a calendar, please email me at jaysonprentice(at)gmail.com or check out the web page that has been setup on our site.

http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/ams/calendarinfo.php

Thanks!

Severe Local Storm Conference Papers

The American Meteorological Society's Severe Local Storms Conference got underway today in Savannah, Georgia. This conference features nearly a full week of presentations about every type of severe weather imaginable, from hail, lightning and tornadoes, to hurricanes and climate relations to severe storms. I was not able to go to the conference this year, but have read through several of the papers that are available online through the AMS. I thought I'd share with you some of the ones that I have found interesting, these include the talks about TWISTEX 2008, the summer research project that I have been a part of the past two years. Another paper is on the Parkersburg, IA tornado which many people may enjoy to at least look at. Of course I will also be happy to share with you a paper that I am a co-author on! If you have any questions about the papers, please leave a message here or email me (jaysonprentice(at)gmail.com).


Synoptic environments and convective modes associated with significant tornadoes in the contiguous United States
by Thompson, Grams, & Prentice

TWISTEX 2008: In situ and mobile mesonet observations of tornadoes
by Karstens et al.

Thermodynamic and kinematic analysis near and within the Tipton, KS tornado on May 29 during TWISTEX 2008
by Lee, Finley, & Samaras

Mobile mesonet observations of an intense RFD and multiple RFD gust fronts in the May 23 Quinter, Kansas tornadic supercell during TWISTEX 2008
by Finley & Lee

The Parkersburg, IA tornado
by Marshall, Jungbluth, & Baca

Windy & Rainy Weekend (Football Forecasts)

We'll start of tonight's post with the weekend football forecasts for the high school football across the state of Iowa, then the two weekend college football games that are on the road. For Friday evenings' games we'll see temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the lower 70s across the state at kick-off; lower to mid 60s should be in place by the end of the game. The skies should be partly cloudy, but the winds will be the problem, sustained 15-25 mph from the southeast, they will weaken a bit to 10-20 by the second half, but will still have some effect on the games.

Iowa State vs. Baylor -- 6:00 PM @ Waco, TX

Kick-off temperature of 85 degrees, with good moisture, will likely keep the conditions a little warmer than the Cyclones want. Partly to mostly cloudy skies with winds from the southeast at 5-15 mph. Although western Texas may see thunderstorms, some severe, Waco and central Texas look to stay quiet. ISU should have decent warm and humid weather to deal with on their road trip, hopefully coming away with a road win.

Iowa vs. Indiana -- 11:00 AM @ Bloomington, IN

Kick-off temperature just below 70 degrees should warm to near 80 by game end. East-southeast winds under 10 mph and only partly cloudy skies means another great afternoon of football for the Hawkeyes, as long as they can come away with a win.

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As for your local forecast for this weekend, the title says it all. Friday through Saturday night will be partly cloudy and windy, with mild temperatures given strong southerly winds. Sunday afternoon will cloud up over the state, and through the nighttime hours the chances of rain and isolated thunder will move into the state.

Friday highs will be in the low to mid 70s across the state, as a warm front lifts through giving some clouds, but otherwise sunny skies. Friday night will show the increased moisture, with low to mid 50s expected rather than 30s and 40s. Saturday will range from the lower 70s in the northwest, to near 80 over much of the south. Saturday night will have lows in the upper 50s and even some lower 60s across the state. This additional moisture will set the stage for several rounds of showers and possible thunderstorms Sunday into early next week. Sunday afternoon should see the showers and isolated thunderstorms in the western third of the state, highs in the afternoon should range from the mid 60s to the upper 70s from west to east. Sunday night will have the showers and perhaps a couple rumbles of thunder move into a majority of the state. Lows overnight will have a large gradient from northwest to southeast, low 40s in the northwest to upper 60s in the southeast... Look for the rain to continue into Monday and finally exiting before Tuesday begins.

Thunderstorms Return

Despite the chilly air as of late, including the forecast of tonight's lows ranging from the mid 30s in the northeast quarter of the state. The entire state won't feel the low temperatures this time around, as only northeast Iowa will be affected by a weak cold front that moves through later this evening. The remainder of the state will see lows ranging from the low 40s to low 50s, with the warmest areas in the southwest. Tomorrow's highs under clear skies will range from the mid 60s in the northeast, to the mid 70s across mainly western Iowa. Lows overnight on Saturday will range from the upper 40s to upper 50s from northeast to southwest across the state.

Saturday night will also bring in the first chance of thunderstorms over the state. As a warm front lifts northward during the nighttime hours, warm air and moisture overrunning this front is likely to initiate heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. The best chances for precipitation will be over the northeast half of the state, as areas south of the warm front will not see the overrunning, thus their precip chances are significantly lower. With some pockets of instability present, a few isolated strong thunderstorms are possible, with the main threat being some moderate sized hail.

Sunday morning and into the afternoon may have some isolated showers continuing over the northeast half of the state. Otherwise we will warm up nicely with southerly flow over the state, a strong gradient will exist with some areas of northeast Iowa under fairly significant cloud cover. Upper 60s for highs in northeast Iowa, lower 70s to lower 80s across the rest of the state under clear skies and southerly winds. Overnight on Sunday will represent the increased moisture, keeping lows in the 50s throughout the state.

The next round of thunderstorms will enter the forecast for Monday, and continue through Wednesday! With a cold front, and low pressure system stalling out nearby, storm rainfall totals could easily be above an inch over a large portion of the state. The severe weather threat seems low at the moment, given instability will be lacking due to continuous cloud cover beyond Monday afternoon. More details on the Monday through Wednesday rainfalls in the Sunday night update...

Weekend Football Forecast

#16 Kansas vs. Iowa State -- 11:30 AM @ Ames, IA (On Versus Network)

Tailgating temperatures will be in the mid 40s as the sun rises, but will warm up nicely to the mid 50s by kick-off. The temperatures will continue to rise during the game, by game end we should be in the mid 60s. Wind speeds should be southeasterly, ranging from 5-15 mph increasing throughout game time, a few gusts may reach the 20 mph mark. Skies should be mainly clear though, allowing for decent forecast for the game.


Iowa vs. Michigan State -- 11:00 AM @ East Lansing, MI (On ESPN2)

A chilly beginning, with tailgate temperatures in the mid 30s! By kick-off, temperatures are likely to be in the upper 40s, and continuing into the mid 50s by game end. Skies should be partly cloudy during the game, with northerly winds remaining under 5 mph. A chilly one, but an overall okay forecast for the players and fans.

Sunday Night Thunderstorms Update #2 & NBC Sunday Night Football

Another update on the thunderstorms over and entering parts of Iowa is below, but first a little off-topic discussion on a feature of NBC's Sunday Night Football halftime show.

NBC featured the football team of Applington-Parkersburg, which have their home field based in Parkersburg, IA which was destroyed by the EF5 tornado in May this year. The show really didn't touch on too much of what was going on in the city, and only featured short clips of the city and the football team. It is a pretty good story, as the AP Falcons are undefeated this year and are the #1 team in class 1-A. Just thought I would share this beings the story is based in Iowa and continues to be in national headlines.

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The severe weather threat has dwindled with the sunset, only a few warnings remain in effect over northeast Nebraska at this time. Thunderstorms do continue to push southeastward into northwest Iowa with gusty winds, and some potentially small hail. Other showers, isolated thunderstorms, have also continued to expand over parts of northwest Iowa. Expect mainly showers to continue over north-central Iowa for the next hour or two, and expand as the cold front enters western Iowa tonight.

Football (& Weekend) Forecast

Didn't have time to make any forecasts for tonight's high school football games, but the weather was obviously great throughout the state. Game time temperatures should have ranged from the lower 70s at kick-off to the lower 60s by game end. Winds were fairly light throughout the state, so they shouldn't have bothered any aspect of the game either. This forecast won't stay quite as good as the Hawkeyes start out their Big 10 conference schedule with a game against Northwestern. The detailed forecast for their game is below, but first a look at the entire weekend for the state of Iowa.

Lows tonight will be fairly mild, ranging from the mid 50s in eastern Iowa to the lower 60s in western Iowa just ahead of a cold front. This cold front should begin to cut into the state during the early morning hours, giving northwest Iowa a small chance of a showers or thunderstorm. Winds ahead of the front should be southerly at 5-10 mph, but behind the front winds will switch to northwesterly and increase to 10-20 mph. The front should make its' way into central Iowa before Noon on Saturday, with a chance of showers/thunderstorms throughout central and eastern Iowa during the afternoon. Highs will be fairly uniform across the state, with various degrees of cloud cover depending on the location of any rain. The highs will mainly range from north to south, from the upper 70s to the lower 80s.

Any rain chances should be out of the forecast by Saturday night, with the front past the state, lows will drop into the lower 50s for northern Iowa and range to the upper 50s in southern Iowa. Partly cloudy skies from the overnight will continue for Sunday for most of the state, however, mostly cloudy skies may fill in the west as another round of showers/thunderstorms makes its' way into the forecast. Highs during the afternoon should reach the lower 70s in northeast Iowa to near 80 in the southwest. The rain chances will increase during the overnight hours on Sunday night, mainly over central and western Iowa. Low temperatures will be in the mid 50s to near 60 across the state...

Rain chances look to continue on Monday and Monday night, followed by a very chilly week for the entire state. Highs in the 60s and some lows in the 30s for some areas!! Look for those details in later updates...

College Football Forecast
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Iowa Hawkeyes -- 11:05 AM @ Iowa City

Pre-game festivities shouldn't have any problems, under partly cloudy skies and winds from the southeast at fairly light rates. Temperatures should start out in the upper 50s, but reach into the mid 60s as game time approaches. Kick-off just after 11 AM should have a temperature around 67 degrees with partly cloudy skies, those southeasterly winds should continue at 5-10 mph. The cold front should approach the stadium near halftime, with winds becoming easterly near 10 mph with gusts upwards of 15 mph. Skies should become mostly cloudy, and a few showers and even a thunderstorm isn't out of the question for the second half of the game. The temperature should still rise into the mid 70s for the game, but some wet conditions may yield some chilly fans if they aren't prepared.

First Fall Thunderstorms

A large line of thunderstorms has formed from the Canadian border through the Dakotas and into central Nebraska. A few of these storms have been severe warned for the possibility of both large hail and damaging winds. These storms should continue to move northeastward overnight tonight, as the cold front responsible for these storms also slowly slides eastward.

This cold front will continue to move eastward during the day tomorrow, reaching Iowa by the afternoon hours. This front will move across Iowa, and likely slow as the upper level features begin to pull off to the north. The front should exit the state during the early morning hours of Wednesday, taking a majority of the precipitation with it. Total rain amounts with the storms during the afternoon and overnight tomorrow could be fairly high, with plenty of moisture available and continued lift along the cold front. Anywhere from a half inch to an inch may be possible with the strongest storms. These strong storms may be able to produce an isolated strong wind gust during the afternoon hours, with a very small chance that a storm could reach severe limits given the limited instability and shear.

Although there is a limited severe threat, the timing across central Iowa may bring the thunderstorms through just after dusk. This means the potential for some lightning photography if the storms are cooperative, so I may have updates tomorrow evening on the storms if they are strong. Otherwise, look for some moderate to heavy rainfall tomorrow across the state from the morning hours through the afternoon in western Iowa; then over central Iowa overnight and through eastern Iowa by Noon on Wednesday.

Football Forecasts!

After last weeks' chilly and/or rainy play throughout the state during both Friday night's high school games and the Iowa vs Iowa State game, this weeks' weather here in the state of Iowa looks amazing! Iowa State will take to the road, although to fabulous Las Vegas where they take on UNLV after they upset Arizona State last week. Iowa will come off of their in-state rivalry win with a game against Pittsburgh, at Pittsburgh. Once again we'll take a look at the two college games first, then look at some of the premier match-ups in high school football. Want to see your game forecasted? Send me an email, or leave a comment, and I'll be sure to check out your game next week!


Iowa State @ UNLV - 8 PM CDT (6 PM local)
Iowa State will be welcomed on the road by a team who is coming off of a huge win against a top 25 opponent. Iowa State will try to fight off any feelings left from the sour Iowa loss last week, hoping to get their offense back on track, and have the defense step up against the rush. Kick-off at 6 PM local time in Las Vegas will leave the sun setting on a wonderful day out there. The afternoon high is expected to be in the mid 90s, but a drop to 90 degrees is likely by the time the game begins. The temperature should continue to drop nicely, finding the 80 degree mark by game end. Windy during the afternoon, but will die down some for game time, still expect winds from the southwest at a breezy 10-20 mph.


Iowa @ Pittsburgh - 11:05 AM CDT (~Noon local)
Iowa finds themselves slight underdogs on the road against Pittsburgh, but momentum from last week will definitely aid in making it an exciting game once again. The forecast for the game is much better than last week, with only partly cloudy skies and warming temperatures. Kick-off temperature of 66 degrees should rise into the lower 70s by halftime and continue to rise slowly through the end of the game. Winds from the southwest will stay fairly light, generally around 5 mph.


High School Football - ~7 PM Kick-offs

Class 4-A
#6 Iowa City High vs. Iowa City West
An inter-city game in Iowa City will be our key match-up in Class 4-A this week. Expect a temperature in the mid 70s for the start of the game, with a drop into the upper 60s by game end. Clear skies with winds from the southwest at 5-10 will keep Iowa City's weather for football very nice.

Class 3-A
#1 Bishop Heelan Catholic (Sioux City) vs. Estherville-Lincoln-Central
The #1 team in the state will travel to an ELC team that lost their first game of the season last week by a 13-12 score. The weather in northwest Iowa shouldn't be a problem either, with a kick-off temperature of 74 degrees. Expect the winds to stay fairly light, southwest at 5-10 mph. By game end, the temperature will have dropped into the mid 60s.

Class 2-A
#3 IKM/Manning vs. Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)
Heading down to southwestern Iowa, the combination of IKM and Manning look to take on their toughest game of the year thus far. Skies remain clear, with temperatures beginning in the mid 70s and dropping to the mid 60s by game end. Winds remain light, southerly at 5-10 mph.

Class 1-A
Saint Ansgar vs. # 2 Emmetsburg
Back to northwest Iowa, where the E-Hawks will take the field at home. Kick-off temperature of 74 degrees, dropping to 65 by the game ending horn. Winds like the rest of the state will be between 5-10 mph under the clear skies.

Class A
#1 Madrid vs. Colo-Nesco
Into central Iowa where the #1 team in Class A will take on a Colo-Nesco team that has played well thus far this season. Mid 70s as the game begins, with a drop to the mid 60s at game end. Clear skies will allow the stars to shine, and light winds will keep the game weather great.

Eight-man
#2 West Central (Maynard) vs. Springville
Ending this week in eastern Iowa, where two good offenses in 8-man will go against each other. Kick-off temperature will be a bit cooler than the rest of the state, still a nice 72 degrees. The light winds and clear skies will allow the temperature to drop to a brisk 64 degrees by game end.


Check back next Thursday as I'll once again take a look at the football forecast for the weekend.

Football Forecast

It is that time of the week again, high school football across the state of Iowa will get underway tomorrow evening. And Saturday is the big intra-state rivalry game of Iowa State vs Iowa! I've decided to try something new out this week, so not only will I give the forecast for both Iowa and Iowa State and their game, but showcase some of the top games in the state for high school. But, first let's start off with Iowa State vs Iowa:

Pre-game festivities may be a little wet, with a good chance of showers throughout the morning hours. Temperatures should be in the mid 60s, with calm winds and cloudy skies. By kick-off we should see 68 degrees, winds variable under 5 mph, and once again some more isolated showers. Throughout the game, temperatures should slowly rise to near 70, with mostly cloudy skies and a few showers possible. Winds should remain variable, and under 5 mph.


Friday Nigh Football Forecast:

Class 3-A
#5 Marion (2-0) vs. #7 Central DeWitt (2-0)
The first of four forecasts of two top 10 teams in their class facing off. The kick-off temperature of 70 degrees will feel nice, dropping to 65 by game end. Mostly cloudy skies, but with occasional showers likely. Winds generally easterly, under 5 mph.

Class 2-A
#1 Solon (2-0) vs. #9 Wilton (2-0)
Sticking around our Cedar Rapids & Iowa City areas, this match-up should start off with a temperature near 70 degrees, dropping to 66 degrees. Mostly cloudy skies with the occasional rain showers slowly the pace of the game here as well. Winds will be generally from the east, but too light to matter (under 5 mph).

Class 1-A
#1 Aplington-Parkersburg (2-0) vs. #8 Grundy Center (2-0)
A-P is showing that they can recover from anything thrown at them, with the tornado earlier this summer, the team is off to a great start and is even going to be featured on NBC in the coming weeks. The kick off should yield a temperature of 69 degrees, with a steady drop to 64. Mostly cloudy skies will prevail, however, only a slight chance for a shower or two during the game. Winds should be northeasterly, but under 5 mph.

#3 West Lyon (1-1) vs. #10 Lawton-Bronson (1-1)
Off to northwest Iowa, will lead us to Inwood, IA; home of the West Lyon Wildcats. Game should start off with a temperature near 68, dropping down to 62 by game end. Skies should be partly cloudy, thus should stay dry if you are at this game. Winds like the rest of the state should be light and variable.

Eight-man
#3 North Sentral Kossuth (2-0) vs. Graettinger-Terril (2-0)
Staying in northwest Iowa for this match-up in 8-man, with G/T being ranked in another poll, plus it being my high school will lead me to forecast this game. A 68 degree kick-off temperature will drop to 63 by the end of the game. Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies, but the northwest half of the state should stay dry during game time. Winds once again light and variable.

Warmer and Wetter

After last nights' well below normal temperatures of mid 30s to lower 40s, including a record tying low in Ottumwa, IA, we'll be on our way back up in the temperature side of things. However, this will come with increased south winds and thus increased moisture. Meaning that we can expect scattered showers and thunderstorms over at least part of the state beginning on Wednesday night and continuing through Saturday night.

Tonight's lows should range from the low 40s in eastern Iowa to the lower 50s in western Iowa. This difference in lows will likely be a result of some stratus clouds moving into the western third of the state. These clouds may hang around somewhat during the day tomorrow, with at least other fair weather cumulus developing much like today. This mix of clouds will keep temperatures in the range of 70s from northeast (low 70s) to southwest (upper 70s).

Wednesday night will have the first wave move just north of the state, which may lead to some scattered showers or thunderstorms over mainly northwest Iowa. Lows overnight should range from the low 50s in eastern Iowa under clear skies, to the lower 60s under mostly cloudy skies in western Iowa. Additional energy coming off of the trough located along the Rockies will continue to pose the potential for more showers and thunderstorms across much of the state. These showers/thunderstorms and cloudy skies will keep temperatures in the lower to mid 70s throughout the state. These showers and thunderstorms should become limited to the southern half of the state for Thursday night, with lows ranging from the mid 50s to lower 60s from north to south across the state under mostly cloudy skies.

The trough that briefly stalled near the Rockies will begin to move onto the plains during the day on Friday, and move through the state overnight into Saturday. This will leave very little time between rounds of showers/storms for the state. Increased chances begin on Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday afternoon for a majority of the state. By Saturday evening, the showers/storms should be over mainly eastern Iowa and ending for the entire state by Saturday night. Temperatures on Friday should be in the lower to mid 70s across the state. Lows overnight in the mid 50s in northwest Iowa to near 60 across much of southern Iowa. Saturday's highs should be fairly even throughout the state, ranging from the low 70s to mid 70s. We'll end the week with overnight lows dropping once again into the 50s throughout the state.

So a quick first glance at your Iowa State vs Iowa football game has a chance of showers or isolated thunderstorm throughout game-time. Temperatures should be near 70 at kick-off and only increase a couple of degrees, winds luckily will be fairly light at 5-10 mph, mainly southerly.

Notes: Another update to the forecast is likely on Thursday, and a final forecast for the Iowa State vs Iowa football game will be made on Friday.
You may also notice some visual changes to the blog, as I decided to expand the width and separate the blog posts with a more defined line.

College Football Forecast (Iowa State & Iowa)

Iowa State vs. Kent State
6:00 PM -- Ames, IA

Partly cloudy afternoon skies will allow highs in the lower 70s for the tailgating before the game. Kickoff temperatures are likely in the upper 60s with a light westerly wind of 5-10 mph. As the game continues into the evening, temperatures will drop to near 60 as the Cyclones near a victory. Winds are likely to continue to be fairly light at 5-10 mph, but may shift more southerly. A few showers may begin to move near the stadium by the end of the game, but it will definitely become cloudier as the game goes on. A bit chilly, with the potential for some sprinkles late in the game, but it should be an exciting game nonetheless.


Iowa vs Florida International
11:03 AM -- Iowa City, IA

A chilly morning for tailgating, with temperatures rising from the mid 50s into the mid 60s by kickoff. Winds throughout the game should vary from northwest to southwest, at mainly 5-10 mph. Partly cloudy skies should allow the sunshine to peak through at times, allowing temperatures to near 70 degrees as the game nears end. A nice forecast for what should be an easy win for the Hawkeyes...