When does central Iowa typically see its first snowfall?
We also looked at whether there's any link between the first snow and the rest of winter
We also looked at whether there's any link between the first snow and the rest of winter
We also looked at whether there's any link between the first snow and the rest of winter
Each year, the cold winds of fall remind Iowans that snow will return eventually.
When those first flakes appear varies quite a bit from season to season, though.
Since records began in 1884, Des Moines' first measurable snowfall has happened anywhere from mid-October to late December.
In 1932 and 2009, the ground first turned white on Oct. 10.
In 1939, the capital city waited until Dec. 26 for any measurable snow.
Nov. 14 has been the average first date for measurable snow in recent decades.
Other Iowa cities
Here are the average dates of first measurable snow around Iowa:
- Mason City — Nov. 8
- Sioux City — Nov. 10
- Des Moines — Nov. 14
- Waterloo — Nov. 15
- Cedar Rapids — Nov. 15
- Council Bluffs — Nov. 17
- Davenport — Nov. 19
- Ottumwa — Nov. 21
Does an early first snow mean a snowy winter?
Interestingly, there might be somewhat of a relationship between how early/late our first snowfall is and how snowy that season ends up being.
The chart above plots the Des Moines area's annual snowfall versus the date of first snow over the last 30 years.
The trendline slicing through the chart shows that an early first snowfall appears to be at least loosely correlated with snowier years, and a late first snowfall is loosely correlated with less snowy years.
If we make the same chart with all 100-plus years of records, the same trend appears — just not as clearly.
It's an interesting little connection, but definitely not the determining factor in how snowy our winters are.
