Abnormally cold weather coming | News, Sports, Jobs – Marshalltown Times Republican

A freeze watch is in place Friday evening for Marshalltown and much of Eastern Iowa.

The watch is coming along with below freezing temperatures. The low temperature Friday night is predicted to be 30 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Its sort of late in the season for a freeze, said Justin Glison, state climatologist. Marshalltown has actually had a 32 degree or less reading out to May 29 in 1947.

The last time Marshalltown had a recorded temperature on or below 29 degrees was in 1911.

Its not normal behavior, but its not extreme, Glison said.

The news is worse the further east with possible snow storms predicted in the Northeastern United States and New England.

Were just seeing a dip in the jet stream further south than normal, Glison said. Its allowing colder air to come to us.

The freezing temperatures will be prefaced by heavy rainfall on Thursday.

Temperatures will rise during the 50 and 60 degree days, albeit with rain and thunderstorms predicted this weekend, but the night temperatures will have a cold bite to them.

Sensitive plants could be affected by a potential freeze and should be covered.

Were not really concerned with stuff thats been planted already, Glison said. We might get some impacts on alfalfa that have already emerged and are growing.

Central Iowa will be around the freezing mark, depending on cloud cover.

Cloud cover and wind will keep the temperature from going below freezing, Glison said. If were under a clear sky we could get whats called radiational cooling and get cooler temperatures.

Usually when theres colder temperatures this late in the year its followed by warm weather, he said.

You always see a rebound, Glison said. Once we get through it well get a warm up.

Contact Thomas Nelson at tnelson@timesrepublican.com

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

View post:

Abnormally cold weather coming | News, Sports, Jobs - Marshalltown Times Republican