Let it snow?

Though a lot of students may not want to see it, the fluffy white stuff has arrived — at least in some parts of the state.

There were reports of up to 2 inches of snow in some parts of Iowa Monday night. Most melted, but the flakes came back as early as Tuesday afternoon in the northern regions of the state.

Robert Deroy, data program manager for the National Weather Service, said most of the snow fell in a line from Audubon to Mount Air. The largest snowfall amounts were reported in Cass and Taylor counties with totals ranging from 1 to 2 inches. The rest of the snowfall was scattered throughout the state.

Deroy said this type of weather is normal for late October.

The average date for a snowfall of 1 inch or more is Dec. 2. We don’t normally get 2 inches or more until mid-December.

Elwynn Taylor, extension climatologist for Iowa State, said the snow is the result of a slow moving front running north to south through the state. Cold conditions are to the west of the front, while more moist conditions are to the east.

Taylor said the snow also came as a result of a low pressure disturbance. “With it’s counterclockwise rotation, it’s pushed the moist air into the cool air resulting in rain or snow.”

The disturbance extends from Arkansas to Chicago. Most places west of the town of Carroll got snow yesterday.

It’s possible to have some snow on the ground anywhere in the state this morning.

“I expect we’ll get some, but it will not last long,” he said. “The temperatures are barely below freezing and the soil temperatures are in the 50s.”

The snow won’t last longer than a couple of hours today.

Taylor said it’s nearly impossible to predict when the first major snowfall will hit, but he said major snowfalls have occurred before Halloween some years.

Although the snow may not amount to a lot, Taylor said people should start gearing up for winter because the weather may be a bit colder and wetter than usual.

“This is a good time to prepare gardens and farms,” Taylor said.

He also said people should think about their vehicles, especially if there is water in the radiators and not antifreeze.

Deroy said we can expect a high in the 50s today, with decreasing clouds gradually giving way to partly sunny skies by afternoon.

The winds will also begin to die off.

There will be no precipitation on Thursday and Friday. The highs for both days will be in the high 50s, while the lows will be in the low 30s.

On Saturday, there’s a chance of showers with highs in the 60s.