National Weather ServiceIowaFrost AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Frost Advisories in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 7 frost advisories for Iowa in 2025 and 14 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 23rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 19, 153% above the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Dubuque was covered most often (51 times since 2008).
How many frost advisories does Iowa get?
Every frost advisory that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 19 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2008 | 11 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque | 51 | 10 | May 11, 2026 |
| Jackson | 50 | 9 | May 7, 2026 |
| Jones | 49 | 9 | May 7, 2026 |
| Delaware | 48 | 10 | May 11, 2026 |
| Clinton | 47 | 8 | May 7, 2026 |
| Scott | 45 | 7 | May 7, 2026 |
| Buchanan | 43 | 10 | May 11, 2026 |
| Cedar | 43 | 7 | May 7, 2026 |
| Clayton | 43 | 10 | May 11, 2026 |
| Linn | 43 | 9 | May 7, 2026 |
| Muscatine | 43 | 7 | May 7, 2026 |
| Allamakee | 42 | 11 | May 11, 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 frost advisory?
A frost advisory means frost is expected on clear, calm nights during the growing season, with temperatures a few degrees above freezing. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in Iowa.