The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of central and southern Iowa, set to be in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday. The advisory warns of 1-3 inches of snow expected during this time.

According to the forecast, Saturday morning will start off dry and seasonably cold across the state, with temperatures ranging from the low to upper 20s under generally overcast skies. Radar has detected snowfall falling at and above 2,000 feet, but due to a layer of dry air from the surface to roughly 2,000-5,000 feet above ground, the snow is sublimating, meaning it evaporates before reaching the ground. Therefore, while some snow flurries and showers may be seen in pockets where the dry air is overcome, no accumulation is anticipated during this time.

As the day progresses and sunset approaches, the remaining dry air is expected to become saturated. This will allow snow to reach the ground and efficiently accumulate, especially as temperatures drop into the 20s. A band of light to moderate snow is set to spread from southwest to northeast across roughly the southern one-half to one-third of Iowa, starting from 7 a.m. Saturday and lasting through 8-9 a.m. Sunday morning. The areas along and southeast of a line extending from Marshalltown, Des Moines, and Atlantic are likely to experience accumulations of 1-3 inches, with southeastern Iowa potentially receiving the highest amounts. However, areas farther north may see lighter amounts due to drier air and weaker snowfall rates.

Roads are expected to become partially covered as air temperatures will be in the mid 20s on Sunday morning, leading to potential travel problems near sunrise. Fortunately, blowing snow is not anticipated overnight or on Sunday morning, as winds will remain fairly light while the snow is falling. By mid-morning, temperatures are predicted to moderate above freezing, causing any accumulated snow to melt. However, gusty winds and colder air are expected to move in by Sunday evening. Looking ahead, a warming trend is forecasted for the middle of next week, with another storm system bringing a chance of rain by the end of the week.

In anticipation of the snowy conditions, the daily weather outlook for today includes cloudy skies with a few flurries or snow showers in the morning. As the day progresses, more snow is likely to fall by evening, accompanied by shifting winds from southeast to south at around 5 mph. Tonight, the forecast calls for cloudy conditions with periods of snow and a low temperature of 24F. Winds will be from the west, ranging from 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow morning, there is a chance of snow early on, followed by mostly cloudy skies and increasing winds. Total snow accumulation is expected to be around 1-3 inches, with the highest gusts of wind reaching 25-30 mph as the winds shift to the northwest at around 20 mph. Tomorrow night will be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 18F. Winds will be from the west-northwest, ranging from 10 to 15 mph, diminishing late.

As this winter weather advisory takes effect, residents in the affected areas are advised to take caution and prepare for potentially hazardous road conditions. Stay updated on the latest weather developments and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.