Des Moines, Iowa – Cold and dry conditions will dominate the weather pattern across Iowa through the remainder of the week, with breezy northwest winds adding to the chill.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, northwest winds today will remain breezy, keeping wind chills low despite generally dry conditions. Temperatures across the state will stay well below normal through at least Friday, with limited day-to-day warming.
Forecast highs across central Iowa are expected to range from the upper teens to upper 20s, depending on location. Overnight lows will be even colder, with temperatures dropping into the single digits and teens, particularly by Thursday night and Friday morning.
Communities including Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Mason City, and Council Bluffs will all experience the prolonged cold stretch. Motorists traveling along Interstate 35, Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 30, U.S. Highway 65, and Interstate 235 may notice increased wind exposure on open stretches of roadway, making conditions feel colder than the thermometer indicates.
While no significant snow is expected this week, the combination of cold temperatures and wind can still pose risks. Vehicles may have difficulty starting during the coldest mornings, and prolonged outdoor exposure increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The National Weather Service advises residents to dress in warm layers, limit time outdoors during peak cold hours, and bring pets indoors overnight. Those using space heaters should do so cautiously and keep them away from flammable materials.
Students, early-shift workers, and commuters traveling before sunrise may experience the greatest impacts, especially later this week when lows dip into the single digits.
Forecasters note that the cold, dry pattern remains firmly in place, and residents should continue monitoring local forecasts for any changes heading into the weekend.
