Iowa — The cold cuts deep before sunrise, sharp enough to steal breath with each step outside. Streetlights glint off frozen pavement as a stiff northwest breeze rattles bare trees across Des Moines.
Temperatures hover near seven degrees early, with wind chills dipping below zero. Central Iowa remains locked in a Winter Weather pattern as Arctic air presses south. A few flurries may pass through this morning, but sunshine breaks through by midday. Even so, highs struggle to reach the mid-teens.
Blustery winds develop through the afternoon, gusting over 20 mph at times. That wind pulls heat from exposed skin fast. Drivers should watch for slick patches on I-235, I-80, and neighborhood roads where snowmelt refreezes quickly.
Tonight turns colder. Skies clear, and temperatures fall near one degree. Wind chills slide toward ten below. This is peak flash-freeze territory. Any moisture left on sidewalks or parking lots becomes ice by evening.
Saturday brings bright sunshine but little relief. Highs reach the low 20s, and wind chills stay uncomfortable through the day. Outdoor plans should stay brief, especially for children and pets.
Attention then shifts to Sunday. Clouds increase, and snow chances rise to around 50 percent. Accumulations look light for now, but timing matters. Snow arriving before afternoon could quickly coat cold pavement. Highs climb into the low 30s, flirting with freezing, which raises slick travel concerns.
Sunday night stays cloudy, with lows near 18. Monday turns quieter and slightly milder. Sunshine returns, and highs reach the low 30s. Even then, refreezing remains possible after sunset.
Meteorologists continue tracking a stubborn Arctic pattern. With the Great Lakes heavily iced, cold air keeps spilling into the Midwest. February begins with winter firmly in control.
Five-Day Outlook: Des Moines, Iowa
• Today: Partly sunny, windy, high near 15
• Saturday: Sunny and cold, high near 22
• Sunday: Chance of snow, high near 33
• Monday: Partly sunny, high near 32
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 33
