From NWS
1961: A small but intense thunderstorm produced very heavy rainfall in the vicinity of Quimby and Washta during the evening and early nighttime hours. A post-storm field survey revealed unofficial rainfall totals of 10 to 13 inches in less than 6 hours. Two people drowned when flash flooding on Ashton Creek swept their car downstream.

1934: A summer of record breaking heat continued as the temperature rose all the way to 115 F at Ottumwa establishing an all-time Iowa August record that would be matched the following day. Other high temperatures included 114 F at Knoxville, 113 F at Albia and Guthrie Center, 112 F at Fairfield and Winterset, and 109 F at Des Moines.

1904: Unseasonably cool weather resulted in a light frost being reported in low-lying areas around Atlantic, Britt, Forest City, and Hampton. Morning low temperatures included 39 F at Atlantic, Charles City, Cresco, Decorah, and Iowa Falls, 38 F at Maquoketa, 36 F at Audubon and Fayette, and 35 F at Earlham.

1897: Severe thunderstorms struck southwestern Iowa dropping golf ball sized hail and 7 inches of rain near Council Bluffs where 4.4 inches of rain fell in less than three hours. Heavy rain also triggered flooding on the Nishnabotna River.

This Day in National/World Weather History …

8 August 1882 → An August snowstorm was reported by a ship on Lake Michigan, dumping 6 inches of snow and slush on the deck. Snow showers were reported at shore points. 8 August 1983 → The temperature at Big Horn Basin, WY reached 115 degrees to establish a state record. 8 August 1988 → The Chicago Cubs held their first Major League Baseball night game in Wrigley Field’s 73 year history. It was rained out in the 4th inning.

Posted under Weather History