Iowa businesses know that sometimes bad weather means bad business, especially during unpleasant winters. Without proper preparation, companies may have reduced foot traffic and revenue during cold months. Not only that but there’s a greater risk of injury in parking lots and on pathways that haven’t been properly cleared of snow and ice.
This is where having a snow maintenance strategy and exemplary snow removal services can make a huge difference, and part of that is knowing what to expect from winter in Iowa. At Earth Development, we rely on the annual Farmers’ Almanac, which provides historically accurate forecasts, to adequately prepare our clients’ properties all year round with the Iowa winter forecast 2022-2023 predictions. Based on this year’s Farmers’ Almanac, here’s what we expect.
Farmer’s Almanac
El Nino is coming in the autumn of 2022, and this will have a direct impact on Iowa snow predictions for our winter weather forecast. So, how much snow and ice can you expect in Des Moines and elsewhere in Iowa? Based on the Iowa winter forecast 2022-2023 from the Farmer’s Almanac, we are expecting a colder-than-normal winter. Let’s get down to it.
Starting in November 2022, Des Moines should see a severe drop in temperatures and freezing rain. Toward the end of the month, winter weather will make an official landfall, and winter in Iowa will start with the first flurries of our winter weather predictions. With the long-range winter forecast for Iowa in mind, we expect the coldest period of the winter to begin in late November. Additionally, the snowiest period will begin in late November.
December will also see rain, but more snowy winter weather than November. Specifically, precipitation and snowfall will be above average in the Eastern region, and below average in the west. The snowiest periods January will bring with it below-freezing temperatures, with lows in the teens. Plus, the farmer's almanac winter 2023 predictions show a heavy snow period in early to mid-January. February will bring more of this same snowfall, while March will also be cold and wet before spring begins to make its appearance in April.
Due to El Nino, Iowa's winter 2022-2023 should be slightly warmer with less snow and ice than the previous winter.
What Was the Winter Weather 2021-2022 in Iowa?
The third year in a row of El Nina climate patterns was predicted to result in volatile winter weather conditions in winter 2021-2022. Due to El Nina, we predicted a warmer start to winter, with massive blizzards and snowfall in February.
Winter Weather in December 2021
December 2021 in Iowa saw higher than average temperatures and below-average precipitation. This was somewhat on par with the year’s winter weather predictions, in that the Farmer’s Almanac predicted warmer than normal temperatures for the month. El Nina meant that the weather could go either way — wetter or drier than normal.
Winter Weather in January 2022
While December was above-average as far as the temperature goes, January was a different story. This was aligned with the Farmer’s Almanac predictions, which stated that January 2022 would be hit with frigid temperatures. January 2022 in Iowa was 4.8 degrees colder than average. Precipitation was slightly lower than normal.
Winter Weather in February 2022
Predictions were as follows for February 2022:
- A massive blizzard would occur in mid-February;
- Overall, snowfall would be inconsistent;
- More sleet and ice due to increased precipitation;
- Fluctuating temps.
What happened was February 2022 turned out to be one of the driest months of the entire year. Precipitation was below normal while temperatures were colder than average.
How to Prepare for the Winter Season 2022-2023 in Iowa?
Stock Up on Salt
With the winter forecast in Iowa bringing temperamental weather and increased ice, businesses should act now and implement their snow removal and ice management plans. There are three things you can do to prepare for winter snow in Iowa. First and foremost, predictions of increased precipitation indicate a necessary stock-up on salt and deicing agents.
Always store these in cool places to avoid the absorption of moisture. Salt shortages aren’t uncommon, so it’s best to buy in the summer months when there’s still stock. When using salt, be sure to carefully follow instructions to not harm plants, pets, and children.
Account for any tripping hazards
The second thing to see is tripping hazards that, if covered with snow, will pose a danger to pedestrians. Other obstacles like potholes and cracks may be more serious and create long-term risks (when water and snow turn to ice, they expand these fissures).
Seek help from a professional snow removal company
Thirdly, it’s always a good idea to employ local snow removal experts. At Earth Development, we have teams throughout Iowa, including Des Moines, Mason City, and Iowa Falls. Many Iowa businesses and families count on us for pre-treatment and ice management to help avoid ice formation on driveways and parking lots.
We’re fully insured, and our experienced team only uses the best equipment to get rid of unwanted snow. Our company also provides outdoor maintenance plans and emergency snow removal services. We are taking requests for snow removal for the next 2022-2023 season!
Get Your Free Quote Today!
For more information and a free consultation, contact the team today! We’ll provide a free assessment of your property and draw up a snow removal and ice management plan to get you through the winter in Iowa.
