A massive arctic plunge into the Northern Plains brought almost a week of dangerous and life threatening wind chills to the region. The worst conditions were recorded between February 13 and February 16 when wind chills occasionally dropped as low as 35 below to 55 below zero. Numerous record low maximum and minimum temperatures were also established. The areal extent of the extreme cold in the central portions of the U.S. led to stress on the power grid, which necessitated several short-term rolling power outages impacting more than 10,000 customers during the peak of the cold.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in IDA, IOWA
From 14-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -42 at Ida Grove.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in LYON, IOWA
From 14-FEB-21 01:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -44 at Beaver Creek and -42 at Sheldon.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in OSCEOLA, IOWA
From 13-FEB-21 22:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -46 at Ocheyedan.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in DICKINSON, IOWA
From 13-FEB-21 22:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Mesonet

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -45 at Wahpeton, -43 at Milford and -42 at Spirit Lake.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in SIOUX, IOWA
From 14-FEB-21 01:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: AWOS

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -43 near Maurice, -40 at Alton and -39 at Hawarden.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in O'BRIEN, IOWA
From 13-FEB-21 23:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: AWOS

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -43 at Sheldon and -38 at Hartley.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in CLAY, IOWA
From 14-FEB-21 02:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: ASOS

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -44 at Spencer.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in PLYMOUTH, IOWA
From 14-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: AWOS

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -52 at Le Mars.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in CHEROKEE, IOWA
From 14-FEB-21 02:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: AWOS

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -42 at Cherokee.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in BUENA VISTA, IOWA
From 14-FEB-21 00:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: AWOS

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -44 at Storm Lake and -43 2 miles east northeast of Truesdale.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in WOODBURY, IOWA
From 15-FEB-21 00:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: ASOS

During several periods over three days with wind chill below -35, values reached a minimum of -48 in Sioux City and -43 at Sergeant Bluff.