Iowa – Frost glistens on parked cars and sidewalks this morning as central Iowa wakes to a calm but biting start to 2026. The air feels sharp on exposed skin, yet roads remain quiet and dry as New Year’s Day begins without active winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, temperatures sit near 18 degrees early, with wind chills dipping into the single digits. Skies turn partly sunny later today, allowing highs to climb toward 30 degrees. Winds stay light, helping travel remain smooth through the day.
Drivers across the metro, including along I-35, I-80, and I-235, should still watch for isolated slick spots early. Any leftover moisture can freeze quickly during the morning hours. Bridges and shaded pavement remain the most vulnerable before daytime warming takes hold.
Tonight stays cold, with lows near the lower 20s under mostly cloudy skies. That keeps frost concerns in play for early Friday travel. Conditions stay quiet, with no snow or rain expected through the end of the workweek.
Friday mirrors today with mostly cloudy skies and highs near 30. A noticeable shift arrives this weekend. Sunshine returns Saturday, and temperatures rebound into the mid-30s, offering a break from the early January chill. Saturday night remains cold but manageable.
Sunday brings a brighter feel to central Iowa. Highs reach near 40 under partly sunny skies, making outdoor plans more comfortable. Another step up follows Monday, when highs approach the upper 40s, signaling a mild start to the first full week of 2026.
For now, winter impacts remain limited. Dress in layers, scrape frost early, and enjoy the calm stretch before weather patterns turn more active later next week. How does the cold compare to past New Year’s Days you remember?
Five Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, high near 30
Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 30
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 36
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 40
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 49
