Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America.   Iowa is often known as the "Food Capital of the World. Iowa is one of the safest states in which to live and its population is among the most literate and best-educated. Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city.     Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America.   Iowa is often known as the "Food Capital of the World. Iowa is one of the safest states in which to live and its population is among the most literate and best-educated. Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city.                    Iowa, like most of the Midwest, has a humid continental climate throughout the state.  With extremes of both heat and cold.  Winters are brisk and snowfall is common. Spring ushers in the beginning of the severe weather season. Iowa averages about 50 days of thunderstorm activity per year. Tornadoes are common during the spring and summer months, with an average of 37 tornadoes in a single year. The Iowa summers are known for heat and humidity, with daytime temperatures often near 90 °F and sometimes exceeding 100 °F.