Des Moines, Iowa – Central Iowa residents could face strong thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts and hail. The National Weather Service in Des Moines said storms are most likely to fire up late in the day, following morning fog in eastern parts of the state.
According to the weather service, patchy fog will settle into the region Friday morning, creating visibility issues for drivers, especially east of Interstate 35. By the afternoon, storms are expected to spread across central and eastern Iowa. A few of these storms could turn severe, with hail and gusty winds being the primary hazards.
Des Moines is expected to reach a high near 78 Friday, with storm chances peaking in the evening before skies clear out overnight. Western Iowa communities such as Carroll and Denison may see storms earlier in the afternoon, while areas closer to Ottumwa and Marshalltown face higher chances of stronger activity into the evening.
Motorists are urged to slow down in foggy conditions Friday morning and stay weather aware for sudden severe storm warnings later in the day. Those with outdoor plans Friday night may want to move events indoors.
Calmer, sunny conditions return Saturday through midweek, giving Iowa several days of dry, mild weather after the storm system passes.
Five Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa
- Friday: Fog in the morning, thunderstorms possible afternoon and evening. High 78.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, breezy at times. High 78, low 53.
- Sunday: Sunny, cooler with a high near 75. Low 50.
- Monday: Sunny and dry. High 73, low 49.
- Tuesday: Sunny, warmer. High 74, low 51.
