IOWA — A strong storm system will impact Central Iowa this first week of March. We will enjoy spring-like weather ahead of the storm and return to spring-like weather by the weekend. Monday will have highs in the upper 50s to 60 degrees. Clouds will build in. Rain begins early Tuesday morning and this is the start of what will be a significant weather event for Iowa.

A Winter Storm Watch is in place from Tuesday at 9 PM to Wednesday at 3 PM. Measurable snowfall and strong winds, leading to blowing and drifting of snow and reduced visibility are likely overnight Tuesday to Wednesday morning.

A few isolated thunderstorms are possible early Tuesday morning ahead of steady rain that will start falling late morning. Some communities may see over an inch of rain by late Tuesday night.

After 10 PM, the rain will change to snow in the Des Moines and Ames Metro. Snow will fall overnight and winds will increase in intensity with gusts over 50 mph. Some of the strongest winds will be between midnight and 6 AM.

Snowfall amounts will range from near 2″ in Des Moines to 6″ in parts of Western Iowa.

There is another chance of a rain-snow mix by Friday. We will be back above average with temperatures by the weekend.