In an average year, Iowa typically sees six more weeks of winter, whether or not a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2nd. According to State Climatologist Harry Hillaker, we’re about a week past the average halfway point for Iowa winters.

He says in the short term, it will feel like winter, with cold temperatures and chances for a few more inches of snow throughout the week and into the weekend. Looking further ahead, Hillaker explains it’s expected to be colder than usual on the east coast, and warmer than usual in the western half of the country, so it’s difficult to say which side of the spectrum Iowa will end up on.

The state climatologist says as of right now, it looks like Iowa’s winter will be milder and dryer than usual as we move further into February.