DES MOINES, Iowa — Perhaps it was a bit naïve to think Iowa would escape winter without at least one solid stretch of frigid temperatures, with single-digit highs and subzero lows.
The Arctic blast is clearly in full force across the state now, as Sunday's high temperature of just 1° in Des Moines solidified the day as the coldest in over two years.
Previously, Des Moines had not experienced such bitter temperatures since Jan 30, 2019, when the morning low temperature fell to -20°, and the afternoon high barely reached -7°.
Unfortunately, the current trend of significantly below-average temperatures won't be short-lived.
High temperatures are forecast to stay in the single digits (or at least 10-12°) through Jan. 15: that's a full week.
During that same timeframe, overnight low temperatures are expected to drop to the single digits below zero, or in some extreme cases, the -10s by the Valentine's Day weekend.
Believe it or not, these statistics have some potential to surpass a few historical records.
For consecutive high temperatures below 10° in Des Moines, the record belongs to a seven-day stretch in January 1974.
Next, the longest duration of highs sub-10° in a row is six days in a row, which occurred many times throughout history including January 1979, January 1962, January 1942, February 1921, January 1912, February 1895 and January 1887.
This upcoming week, it's possible Des Moines will see at least eight out of nine consecutive days with maximum temperatures below 10°, depending on Wednesday's projected high of 11°.
Should the high temperature Wednesday come up short of that forecast, this could become the longest stretch of consecutive high temperatures below 10° in Des Moines history.
On the other hand, the record for consecutive low temperatures below zero will be much tougher to beat.
That particular record belongs to January 1963, when the overnight temperatures were subzero for 17 days in a row.
The next stretch for Des Moines is 12 nights in January 1940.
At this point, only nine nights over the next extended period are expected to fall below zero.
While this may seem like a staggering number, it is not quite record-breaking.
Of course, these are not records many would prefer to see broken, but if it's going to be this ridiculously cold, may as well make some new history, right?
In all seriousness, this kind of cold air is dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken.
It is imperative to wear several layers of clothing and cover areas of exposed skin for any extended time outdoors. When the temperature drops to 0° or lower, frostbite can occur within a matter of minutes.
As the bitter cold stays put, the City of Des Moines recommends residents use warming centers to seek temporary relief from the harsh conditions.
The City of Des Moines has identified the following warming centers as possible options:
- Southridge Mall (1111 E. Army Post Rd.) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday
- Merle Hay Mall (3800 Merle Hay Rd.) – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday
- Central Library (1000 Grand Ave.) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday
- East Side Library (2559 Hubbell Ave.) – 1 to 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday; 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday
- Forest Ave. Library (1326 Forest Ave.) – 1 to 7 p.m., Monday and Thursday; 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- Franklin Ave. Library (5000 Franklin Ave.) – 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
- North Side Library (3516 Fifth Ave.) – 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- South Side Library (1111 Porter Ave.) – 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday; 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS), 1420 Mulberry, Des Moines
Currently operating in its weather amnesty status and has surge capacity available. During the weather amnesty status, at 10 degrees or below, individuals who may not normally be able to seek services can come in. They may do so 48 hours before and after projected cold temperatures.
