Here’s The Date To Expect Iowa’s First Snow Of The 2025-2026 Season

Some people think this is the real "s" word that should be banned.  But for others, they are ready for the fluffy white stuff to fall from the sky.  Like it or not, we live in the Quad Cities, and snow will happen.

But when will it happen?  Anytime from now till December.  Ok, we can narrow that down for you.

How Much Snow Will The Quad Cities Get?

Probably not this much.  In fact, more than likely, the first snow you see won't even count as the first snow.  Because the way the National Weather Service counts the first snow is the first "measurable snowfall".  So it needs to be at least 0.1".  Not just a few flakes in the sky.

The average amount of snow on our first snowfall is 1.2 inches.  Enough to be annoying and maybe even bust out the shovel.  But typically, that early snow can melt by the afternoon sun.

However, we could also be in full shutdown with the first snow.  Do you remember December 1, 2006?  That was the date of our first snowfall when we went from 0 to 8.3 inches!  That record amount of first snow is a rough way to start winter.

When Will The First Snow Fall In The Quad Cities?

34.5% of first snowfalls in the Quad Cities take place between November 16 and November 30.  In the 139 years they have been tracking first snowfalls, that time period has been the top time for the Quad Cities in 48 years.

So with all that data, we can see the average date that we'll see measurable snow will be on November 20.  That's a Thursday, by the way.  If you were planning for school and work.