National Weather ServiceIowaWinter Weather AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Weather Advisories in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 84 winter weather advisories for Iowa in 2025 and 77 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 16th most of any state. 2026 through September: 29, 44% below the average of 52 for those months in 2008-2025. Cerro Gordo was covered most often (220 times since 2008).
How many winter weather advisories does Iowa get?
Every winter weather advisory that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 29 |
| 2025 | 84 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2023 | 68 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2021 | 73 |
| 2020 | 98 |
| 2019 | 132 |
| 2018 | 132 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2015 | 63 |
| 2014 | 85 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2012 | 46 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2009 | 89 |
| 2008 | 79 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerro Gordo | 220 | 31 | March 16, 2026 |
| Franklin | 214 | 31 | March 16, 2026 |
| Kossuth | 211 | 30 | March 16, 2026 |
| Dickinson | 208 | 26 | March 7, 2026 |
| Black Hawk | 206 | 32 | March 16, 2026 |
| Hancock | 206 | 31 | March 16, 2026 |
| Osceola | 205 | 31 | March 7, 2026 |
| Worth | 204 | 27 | March 16, 2026 |
| Hardin | 203 | 29 | March 16, 2026 |
| Butler | 202 | 30 | March 16, 2026 |
| Grundy | 202 | 33 | March 16, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 202 | 29 | 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 winter weather advisory?
A winter weather advisory covers snow, sleet or freezing rain that will be a nuisance and can make roads slippery, below warning amounts. 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.