Mild conditions with highs in the 40s and 50s will be common today. It will remain mild but cooler on Wednesday. Precipitation will overspread the area Wednesday night in the form of rain with a few thunderstorms possible south. The rain will change to snow from northwest to southeast late Wednesday night through Thursday. Several inches of snow is possible over central and north central Iowa. In addition…strong northwest winds will develop by Thursday after with significant blowing and drifting of snow possible. For this reason, a blizzard watch has been issued for portions of the area Thursday and Thursday night. Hazardous travel conditions will extend over the entire area during this period.

(Nat’l. Weather Service/Des Moines)