Honestly, if you've lived in Eastern Iowa long enough, you know that January is usually a relentless slog of gray skies and bone-chilling wind. But right now? Things are feeling a bit different. If you’re looking at the weather forecast Cedar Rapids Iowa 7 day outlook, you’re seeing a mix of classic Arctic grit and some surprisingly mild spikes that might actually let you feel your face for a second or two.
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, we’re sitting at a crisp 32°F. It’s cloudy, which is basically the official wallpaper of Iowa in the winter. The wind is coming out of the west at about 14 mph, making it feel more like 22°F. If you’re heading out later, keep an eye on the sky—there’s a 75% chance of light snow during the day, with a high reaching 36°F before things take a dive to 13°F tonight.
The Week Ahead: Snow, Wind, and "Blustery" Vibes
So, what does the rest of the weather forecast Cedar Rapids Iowa 7 day cycle look like? It's a bit of a roller coaster.
We’ve got an Arctic front moving through that's bringing what meteorologists call "snow squalls." Basically, that's just a fancy way of saying it’s going to get white-out messy for short bursts. Saturday is looking blustery with a high of only 19°F and a low of 7°F. If you have plans to hit the Newbo City Market or run errands, Saturday morning is probably your best bet before the wind really starts to bite.
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Sunday stays cold, with flurries and a high of 23°F. But Monday? Monday, Jan 19, is when the real "Welcome to Iowa" moment happens. We’re looking at a high of just 12°F and a low of -3°F. It's going to be windy and mostly cloudy, so that -3°F is going to feel significantly more disrespectful once you factor in the wind chill.
Mid-Week Shifts
By Tuesday, we start a slow climb back up. We’re talking a high of 26°F with some actual sun peeking through. Wednesday and Thursday will hover around the low 30s. It’s not exactly tropical, but compared to a negative low, it’ll feel like a heatwave.
- Friday (Today): High 36°F, Low 13°F. Light snow likely.
- Saturday: High 19°F, Low 7°F. Blustery and scattered snow showers.
- Sunday: High 23°F, Low 4°F. More flurries, keep the shovel handy.
- Monday: High 12°F, Low -3°F. Cold and blustery.
- Tuesday: High 26°F, Low 5°F. Partly sunny and windy.
- Wednesday: High 27°F, Low 15°F. Cloudy and windy.
Why Cedar Rapids is Seeing Record Trends
You might have noticed that this January hasn't been "normal." Earlier this month, on January 8-9, we actually saw record-breaking rainfall across the region. Some spots in the Heartland saw over 2 inches of rain, which is wild for a month that usually only sees about an inch of total precipitation.
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Expert climatologists from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship note that we're currently in a weak La Niña pattern. This usually means we get these weird swings—extreme cold one week, followed by a "mild" period where it stays above freezing.
It’s also worth noting that while the East Coast is bracing for a firm turn toward colder trends, the Midwest is stuck in this tug-of-war between Arctic air and warmer systems coming up from the south. This is why we're seeing such a high humidity level today (around 76%) despite the cold temperatures.
Practical Steps for the Next 7 Days
Since the weather forecast Cedar Rapids Iowa 7 day shows at least three days of "blustery" conditions and potential snow squalls, here is what you actually need to do:
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Check your tire pressure. These 30-degree temperature swings cause your "low air" light to pop on like clockwork. Do it now before it’s -3°F on Monday and you’re fumbling with a frozen air hose at a gas station.
If you're traveling along I-380 or Highway 30 this weekend, be wary of those snow squalls. They can drop visibility to near zero in seconds, even if the total accumulation is low.
Finally, layer up. Monday’s wind chill is the real deal. Use a base layer that wicks moisture because even though it’s cold, the high humidity can make you feel damp and chilled much faster than a "dry" cold would. Keep an eye on the local KCID station reports for the most immediate updates as that Arctic front moves through.
The big takeaway? Enjoy the 36°F high today while it lasts, because the weekend is bringing the January reality check we all knew was coming. Stay warm and drive safe.
Next Step: You can monitor the live radar for Linn County to see exactly when those snow showers will hit your neighborhood this afternoon.