 |
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 |
Listen Now...
4/2/26 - Storms now, Chilly Weekend, then Warm and Leaning Wetter
Episode 4
Thursday, 2 April, 2026
Episode Summary: "What in the Weather" — April 2, 2026 00:27 – Iowa Weather History (1982): A dramatic cold front brought an 84–85°F high, then a 40°F temperature drop within an hour, followed by snow and blizzard conditions. 01:28 – This Week's Forecast: Two rounds of potential severe weather Thursday and Friday; rainfall 1–2½"+; followed by a weekend cool-down with frost and freeze potential. 03:09 – Discussion of how soil moisture affects overnight lows and frost levels across Iowa. 03:47 – Northwestern Iowa identified as driest region, likely to miss the heavier rains forecast for the east. 04:26 – Extended Outlook: Near-normal temps mid-April; wet pattern through at least the first half of the month; warmer, wetter signals toward late April. 06:33 – Recent Weather Recap: Monday night hail in central Iowa (Polk/Story Counties); vivid lightning; multiple rounds of rainfall from moving low-pressure systems. 08:15 – Dan describes seeing wavy cloud formations; Justin explains gravity waves caused by thunderstorms interacting with the tropopause. 10:26 – Temperature Extremes: Warmest—91°F in Clarinda; Coldest—10°F in Fayette. 11:04 – Specialty Crop Impacts: Early sweet corn planting underway; benefits of using plastic mulch for soil warmth. 13:19 – Fruit Crop Updates: Grapes at bud swell, plums blooming, pears at tight cluster—potential freeze risk; link to Michigan State's fruit freeze chart. 14:43 – Strawberry growers cautioned about freeze damage; row cover and sprinkler tips for small and large patches. 16:06 – Emerging Pest Alert: Lily leaf beetle —Have you seen it? 16:57 – Good Friday Potato Tradition: Historical planting custom versus agronomic timing; Dan's reflections on planting dates, frost tolerance, and pest cycles. 18:52 – Discussion of biodynamic planting calendars (Maria Thun and Stella Natura) and how lunar cycles are used by some to guide crop timing. episode summary generated using perplexity.ai
