This Day in Weather History February 12

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

1990: Strong southerly winds ahead of a cold front pushed temperatures into the 70s across portions of southern and central Iowa with seven stations reporting record highs for the date. The temperature reached 70 F at Des Moines making this the earliest date of the year on which such a reading has ever been recorded at that location. Half a dozen other stations also reported high temperatures of 70 F and this was bested by readings of 71 F at Albia, Fairfield, Indianola, and Ottumwa, 72 F at Atlantic and Red Oak, and 73 F at Keosauqua.