IOWA — Although April typically signals the arrival of spring across Iowa, historical weather data shows that significant winter storms — including those capable of producing a foot or more of snow — can still occur during the month.
Iowa’s central location in the Midwest places it along a common path for strong low-pressure systems that develop in the Plains and move northeast. When these systems interact with lingering cold air masses from the north, they can produce widespread precipitation. If temperatures remain at or below freezing, that precipitation can fall as heavy snow.
Several past events illustrate this possibility. In April 2013, a major late-season winter storm brought substantial snowfall to parts of Iowa, with some areas recording totals near or above one foot, according to the National Weather Service. The storm caused hazardous travel conditions and delays, demonstrating that impactful winter weather can still occur well into spring…