National Weather ServiceIowaFreeze WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Warnings in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 7 freeze warnings for Iowa in 2025 and 13 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 24th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, in line with the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Linn was covered most often (50 times since 2008).
How many freeze warnings does Iowa get?
Every freeze warning that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2012 | 32 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2008 | 10 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linn | 50 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Jones | 50 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Jackson | 49 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Dubuque | 49 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Benton | 49 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Delaware | 47 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Clinton | 47 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Buchanan | 47 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Johnson | 46 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 45 | 11 | April 20, 2026 |
| Cedar | 45 | 13 | April 20, 2026 |
| Washington | 44 | 11 | April 20, 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 freeze warning?
A freeze warning means temperatures at or below 32°F are expected during the growing season, enough to kill crops and sensitive plants. Since 2024-2025 it also covers the colder nights that had a hard freeze warning of their own. 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 hard freeze warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Iowa.