National Weather ServiceIowaCold Weather AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Cold Weather Advisories in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 44 cold weather advisories for Iowa in 2025 and 36 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 5th most of any state. 2026 through September: 17, 44% below the average of 30 for those months in 2008-2025. Kossuth was covered most often (154 times since 2008).
How many cold weather advisories does Iowa get?
Every cold weather advisory that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 17 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2016 | 37 |
| 2015 | 48 |
| 2014 | 92 |
| 2013 | 45 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2011 | 30 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2009 | 29 |
| 2008 | 45 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Iowa get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Iowa?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kossuth | 154 | 22 | March 16, 2026 |
| Emmet | 153 | 22 | March 16, 2026 |
| Palo Alto | 152 | 22 | March 16, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 151 | 21 | March 16, 2026 |
| Hancock | 150 | 20 | March 16, 2026 |
| Worth | 148 | 20 | March 16, 2026 |
| Cerro Gordo | 148 | 20 | March 16, 2026 |
| Dickinson | 138 | 19 | March 16, 2026 |
| Osceola | 137 | 19 | March 16, 2026 |
| Pocahontas | 135 | 20 | March 16, 2026 |
| Wright | 134 | 20 | March 16, 2026 |
| Humboldt | 133 | 20 | March 16, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a cold weather advisory?
A cold weather advisory means cold temperatures or wind chills that can be dangerous to people without shelter. It replaced the wind chill advisory in 2024-2025. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. AreaZine's counts include the wind chill advisories issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Iowa.