Warm breeze brings increased fire danger, rain is expected on the horizon

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – We enter an unusually warm afternoon with near-record temperatures and a strong southerly breeze setting the tone.

Southwest wind gusts are expected to exceed 40 mph this afternoon, with windy conditions expected to continue through Wednesday. While it’s a great day to soak up the warmth, gusty winds come with an increased risk of fires, so outdoor burning is strongly discouraged until conditions stabilize. These winds are part of an active weather system moving into the region that will produce heavy showers and storms beginning later Wednesday. These storms are expected to bring an inch or more of rain to most areas through early Thursday. This is a welcome development for lawns and fields, which could benefit from moisture after some dry spells.

Halloween is just around the corner and there’s good news for all the little ghosts and goblins planning to go trick-or-treating. After the midweek showers have subsided, the weather turns dry on Thursday evening and Friday, giving everyone a better chance to enjoy the festivities without having to worry about umbrellas or raincoats. This midweek system will return temperatures to seasonal normals, providing a cool but comfortable backdrop for any fall activities.

This mild break is likely to be brief, however, as more active weather is expected to return shortly after Halloween. We can expect some additional rain this weekend, so now is the time to tackle any outdoor projects or cleaning that may be impacted by wetter weather. The expected period of intermittent showers could extend into next week, so it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast if you have plans that call for dry conditions.

Whether you’re enjoying the last warm breath of the season or preparing for the next round of rain, this week’s weather is shaping up to be interesting. Keep those fall layers covered, as we’ll be feeling real fall by the weekend thanks to changing temperatures. However, we can now look forward to a few warm but windy days before the rain arrives to cool down our region.