Wednesday: Clouds increase through the day, but low‑level moisture is slow to arrive. By afternoon, moisture begins moving west of I‑29. Scattered rain showers are expected late in the day, mainly west, with temperatures warm enough for rain. Far north of I‑90, a little snow—or a rain/snow mix near sunset—is possible, but amounts should stay light early.

Wednesday night into early Thursday morning: This is the main window for wet weather, roughly from 10 pm to 6 am. Rain is expected for most areas, but freezing rain is possible where temperatures hover near 30 to 32 degrees, especially into parts of southeast Minnesota. Some spots could see a quarter to a half inch of ice. Roads may stay mostly wet due to warmer ground, but ice could collect on bridges, power lines, and elevated surfaces. Winds may gust up to 20 mph.

Thursday: Light precipitation may continue into the afternoon, but amounts will be lighter than overnight.

Late Thursday into Friday morning: After a break Thursday afternoon and evening, another system moves in late Thursday night. A few thunderstorms are possible on Friday morning across northwest Iowa, southeast South Dakota, and northeast Nebraska. Severe weather is not expected, but a few storms could produce small hail.

Friday afternoon: May turn drier in areas near and east of I‑29, though rain chances remain uncertain. Freezing rain or sleet could again be an issue, but confidence is low right now.

.KEY MESSAGES…

– Wintry precipitation expected north of I-90 Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A bigger threat for sleet and freezing rain than snow. Winter weather advisory for highway 14 and into parts of southwest MN.

– A much-needed rainfall will move into the area Wednesday and continue into Thursday morning. Much of the area will see a half an inch to an inch of rainfall/total liquid precipitation.

– Isolated thunderstorm potential late Thursday night early Friday morning in mainly northwest IA. Severe weather unlikely but some small hail would be possible.

– Friday is a tricky day with the potential for freezing rain and sleet. The better chances for snow should be mostly northwest of the area. Enough of an icing threat that some minor to moderate impacts will be possible.

Forecasted Totals Wednesday through Friday: Forecast rainfall amounts are continuing to trend healthy across the area. Spencer remains near the top of the list with around 1 inch expected, with a realistic range between 0.6″ and 1.5″, and better than a 40% chance of seeing over an inch. Nearby Sheldon and Sioux Center are also in good shape, each expecting around 0.9–1.0″, with high confidence in at least a half inch and solid odds of pushing past 1 inch. Le Mars and Storm Lake are right there as well, generally nearing an inch of rainfall. Overall, confidence is high that most of the KICD listening area will pick up beneficial precipitation.