• The hosts recall a historic severe weather event: an F3 tornado in Van Buren County on April 16th, 1967.

• For the current day (April 17, 2025), the main severe weather threat is large hail (1–2+ inches), especially from Omaha through Des Moines and Ames; tornado risk is low due to low dew points.

• Forecast: Severe storms possible overnight. Friday and Saturday expected to be pleasant, with more rain chances from Saturday night into Sunday. Rainfall of 0.75–1.25 inches possible across the state.

• Eastern Iowa, especially between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids (D1 drought area), is currently receiving needed rain.

• The 6–10 and 8–14 day forecasts show a warm and wet signal, especially in southwestern Iowa. The month-ahead and seasonal outlooks are less certain, with possible slightly increased warmth and dryness moving into early summer.

• Despite a strong signal for above-normal temperatures, the last frost of the season may not have occurred yet, especially in central and northern Iowa.

• Widespread frost is unlikely, but localized events could still occur, especially in valleys or low-lying, dry areas.

• Soil temperatures are fluctuating widely due to dry soils, with values expected mostly in the low/mid 60s to mid 40s over coming weeks. Some forecasts show soil temps as low as 42°F in northern Iowa by early May.

• Growers are advised not to rush warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers into the field before mid-May or early June, due to risk of cold soil and air temperatures.

• It’s been windier than usual, which is notable particularly in northwest Iowa.

• Cloud cover and cooler temps have persisted in eastern Iowa, verified by grower feedback.

• Accumulation of growing degree days is ahead of normal, prompting early alfalfa weevil egg hatch in southern Iowa.

• Some growers are experimenting with blackening cover crops to encourage warmer soils for earlier sweet corn, but cloudy weather has limited the benefits.

• Problems with bean germination in greenhouse trays may be linked to seed maggots and/or sensitive response to high nutrient salt levels in potting media. Microclimate and possible ammonia burn are additional considerations.

• Growers are advised to bioassay suspect potting media using sensitive crops like beans and peas.

• The host corrects a previous statement: Strawberry flower buds are hardy to 20°F; open blossoms are damaged in the high 20s.

• With wetter weather on the horizon, growers are encouraged to finish field prep and tillage now, before rain delays field access and results in transplants outgrowing their cells.

*Podcast transcript and summary provided using AI