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What in the Weather?Author: Dan Fillius; Justin Glisan; Madelynn Wuestenberg
This one's for you if you want to understand weather better! Join Dan Fillius, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, and Dr. Justin Glisan, Iowa's State Climatologist, as they discuss what is happening in the world of Iowa weather. Every week during the main growing season we'll discuss recent weather, its impacts on fruits and vegetables, and provide a climate outlook for the coming week in Iowa. Let us know what you think, though as Mark Twain once said, "If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes." Language: en-us Genres: Natural Sciences, Nature, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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8/19/26 - A bit more rain today, then maybe it'll dry out?
Episode 23
Wednesday, 19 August, 2026
[00:00:51] Iowa weather history for August 19: A destructive 1898 severe-weather event brought straight-line winds, hail, heavy rain, property damage, and fatalities across northwestern Iowa. [00:02:00] Why thunderstorms can occur overnight and in the early morning: Justin explains the role of the nocturnal low-level jet, moisture transport, ridge riders, and heat-dome patterns. [00:03:55] Weather trivia: Is it safe to park beneath an overpass during a storm? [00:04:37] Short-term forecast: Storm chances return through Friday, followed by quieter, seasonable weather over the weekend and into early next week. [00:05:26] Extended outlook: Iowa has increased odds of above-normal temperatures in the 8-to-14-day period, while precipitation odds remain near normal. [00:06:45] Heat dome discussion: The group explains persistent blocking highs, why the current heat dome is lingering, and jokingly suggests naming it "Fiero." [00:07:36] Three-to-four-week outlook: Equal chances for temperature and precipitation across most of Iowa, with limited areas leaning warmer or drier. [00:08:35] Hazards outlook: No hazards are forecast for Iowa, though parts of Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri face a slight risk of hazardous heat. [00:10:05] Past-week weather recap: Storms became more localized late in the week, after Iowa experienced its wettest week of the year to date. [00:10:30] Iowa rainfall and temperature extremes: Discussion of statewide precipitation averages, Wapello's 8.76 inches of rain, Rock Rapids' 0.13 inches, and temperatures from 51 to 94 degrees. [00:14:05] El Niño update: Climate Prediction Center probabilities continue to indicate a strong El Niño event, with potential implications for late fall and winter. [00:15:10] Specialty crop impacts from recent rain: Tomato cracking, melon splitting, harvest timing, rot, and insect issues following heavy rainfall. [00:16:47] Powdery mildew in squash and zucchini: Scouting, curative treatment options, resistant varieties, pumpkin-handle impacts, and managing disease before harvest. [00:19:41] Squash bug management: Identifying vulnerable nymphs, spray options, timing around eggs and hatch, canopy coverage, and cautions when mixing pesticide products. [00:22:21] Cucurbit yellow vine decline: Yellowing symptoms, adult squash bugs as disease vectors, and end-of-season squash bug management. [00:23:09] Greenhouse Short Course: Information on the September 16 event at Reiman Gardens for ornamental greenhouse growers. [00:23:43] Project Monarch Science app: How Bluetooth-enabled monarch tags and citizen-science observations help researchers track migration success. podcast summary generated using perplexity.ai
