National Weather ServiceIowaExtreme Cold WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Extreme Cold Warnings in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 13 extreme cold warnings for Iowa in 2025 and 7 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 7th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 12% below the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Winnebago was covered most often (34 times since 2008).
How many extreme cold warnings does Iowa get?
Every extreme cold warning that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 17 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnebago | 34 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Kossuth | 34 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Emmet | 34 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Wright | 33 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Worth | 33 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Hancock | 33 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Franklin | 33 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Cerro Gordo | 33 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Palo Alto | 32 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Humboldt | 31 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Pocahontas | 29 | 4 | January 23, 2026 |
| Hardin | 29 | 4 | January 23, 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 an extreme cold warning?
An extreme cold warning means dangerously cold temperatures or wind chills that can cause frostbite and hypothermia quickly. It replaced the wind chill warning in 2024-2025. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the wind chill warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Iowa.