CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Incipient thunderstorms are moving into eastern Iowa this afternoon and evening, threatening strong to severe storms. The main danger would come from gusty winds.

First warning: heavy rain possible

A strong cold front is advancing from the west, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall is expected, expected to exceed 1 inch across much of the area and some localized areas may experience even higher rainfall amounts.

As the showers and storms pass, they will disappear on Halloween morning, giving way to a much cooler and windier day. Trick-or-treaters should prepare for chilly conditions in the evening as temperatures drop and gusty winds make it even colder. The weather forecast for Halloween evening is dry, so families can enjoy their evening plans without the fear of rain. However, the costumes may need to be layered slightly to keep little ones warm.

First warning: more rainfall is imminent

Once the cold front passes, we’ll settle into a seasonally cool pattern, with more typical temperatures in late October and early November. This period of seasonal weather brings a brief respite before more showers and storms arrive over the weekend.

In summary, it’s a week of transitions as a warm and windy start gives way to a wet and windy period with possible heavy rain, followed by a Halloween cool down. The trick-or-treat weather should be dry but cold, and another round of showers and storms could be on the way early in the weekend, keeping the weather pattern active into early November.