Cedar Rapids, Iowa 7 Day Weather Forecast

Wx Forecast - Wx Discussion - Wx Aviation

389
FXUS63 KDVN 200847
AFDDVN

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
247 AM CST Sat Dec 20 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

-  We will see temperatures gradually increase daily as we head
   towards the middle of next week, with 50s to low 60s not out
   of question by the middle of the upcoming holiday week.

-  Aside from low-end chances for precipitation in the middle of
   next week, we will largely remain dry through much of the
   extended forecast.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Issued at 234 AM CST Sat Dec 20 2025

Weak surface low will pass north of the area today, dragging a cold
front through the area. Ahead of that, we have seen modest southerly
flow through the night, resulting in a gradual increase in
temperatures as we approach sunrise. Southerly flow will continue
through the morning, allowing us to warm up even more by noon. Max
temperatures will range from the upper 30s in our north to low 40s
in our south. Aside from the breeze, it will be a seasonally-
pleasant day for the most part. Precipitation chances remain <15%,
as we are lacking moisture. Best moisture will be found closest to
the surface low, which will be north of the area, but close enough
that a light shower/drizzle cannot be completely ruled out in our
northeast. Although, we are more likely to remain dry, with the only
signs of a system passing by being passing clouds and a wind
shift through the day.

Tonight, high pressure will move into the area with cooler air
settling in behind the system. Clearing skies and decreasing winds
will allow for temperatures to drop a bit tonight, ranging from the
low teens in the north to low 20s in our south.

&&

.LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Issued at 234 AM CST Sat Dec 20 2025

We remain on track for a largely quiet long term, with upper level
zonal flow dominating the region. Westerly flow will be locked
overhead, with waves passing along the northern CONUS. With each of
these waves, we will get some llvl wind shifts, which will bring
through periods of southerly flow. These bouts of southerly flow
will result in a gradual increase in temperatures through the next
week. In fact, temperatures are forecast to trend well above normal
through this timeframe, with widespread upper 40s and 50s throughout
the area. Guidance continues to favor the warmest temperatures
moving in on Christmas Day. While this is still a week out and much
can change, current forecast shows temperatures approaching the low
60s south of the Interstate 80 corridor on Christmas. For reference,
high temperatures during this time of the year are generally in the
low-mid 30s. If these temperatures are to hold true, we will be
approaching record temperature territory. Ensemble probabilities
favor (40-60%+ chances) at least 50 degree high temperatures working
into locations south of Interstate 80 as early as Tuesday of this
upcoming week, trending north each day though mid-late week.
Christmas Day, the Euro/GFS ensemble suites favor 50s working
their way up to the Interstate 80 corridor with at least 60%
favorability.

This timeframe is expected to remain mostly dry, aside from a few
chances for light precipitation. Have opted to stick with the mostly
dry conditions given by the NBM, as confidence remains low on the
overall chances. Although, long term guidance is starting to show
some chances for light precipitation in the middle of next week.
Currently this is a weak signal, with light rain possible as a wave
passes overhead. Otherwise, precipitation chances remain <15% for
much of the extended. With systems passing through the north and
leaving us in persistent southerly flow, will see moisture work into
the mid-upper levels, resulting in periods of passing clouds.
Otherwise, seasonal breeziness will be seen.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1106 PM CST Fri Dec 19 2025

VFR conditions will prevail through the TAF period, with main
aviation concerns revolving around shear. We will see
southwesterly LLWS through tonight, with shear magnitudes
between 45-50 KTs. These conditions will diminish shortly after
12z with frontal passage. Surface winds will start the TAF
period breezy and out of the south, with winds starting to shift
northwesterly between 12-18z and gusting upwards to 20-25 KTs
through the day.

&&

.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...None.
IL...None.
MO...None.

&&

$$

SHORT TERM...Gunkel
LONG TERM...Gunkel
AVIATION...Gunkel