Early Forecasts Say Iowa Will Not Have Polar Vortex This Winter

Last winter was downright nightmare-ish for much of the midwest, including the Quad Cities.

Luckily, it looks like we won't have to relive the -60 wind chill temps and endless snow, according to early forecasts.

The QC Times reports that an El Niño is not expected to occur in the Pacific Ocean this year, in contrast to winter 2018/2019.

That doesn't mean that Iowa is necessarily out of the woods weather-wise, however.

Bill Gallus, a professor in Iowa State University’s geological and atmospheric sciences department, said some experts are predicting a La Nina — when those same Pacific Ocean surface waters cool — which could lead to larger than normal temperature swings during Iowa’s winter. That would mean extreme cold spells and also unusually warm periods, Gallus said.

The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center says there's an equal chance of both above and below normal temps for Iowa this winter. Bottom line? As usual, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst when it comes to winter in the midwest.