Des Moines, Iowa – A wetter and increasingly mild weather pattern is expected to develop across Iowa between Sunday, Feb. 8, and Thursday, Feb. 12, increasing the likelihood of snow and rain in the Des Moines area.
According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, much of Iowa is included in an area with above-normal precipitation probabilities during the 6–10 day outlook period. Temperature outlooks also indicate a 60–80% chance of above-normal temperatures, signaling a shift toward milder conditions across the central Plains.
The combination of increased moisture and rising temperatures raises the potential for mixed precipitation across central Iowa. Snow is more likely during colder overnight and early morning hours, while rain or wet snow may develop during daytime warming. Small changes in temperature could result in rapid transitions between precipitation types.
Rather than a single major storm system, the outlook suggests multiple opportunities for precipitation throughout the Feb. 8–12 period. These conditions may lead to wet roadways, slush, reduced visibility, and localized ponding, particularly during morning and evening commute times. Periods of melting followed by refreezing could also create slick travel conditions.
Northern Iowa may remain cold enough to support more frequent snowfall, while central and southern portions of the state, including the Des Moines metro, are more likely to experience a mix of rain and snow as temperatures fluctuate near freezing.
Forecasters emphasize that this outlook reflects large-scale weather patterns, not specific storm systems or precipitation totals. Snowfall amounts, rainfall totals, and exact timing will become clearer as the forecast window approaches.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring daily forecasts and updates from the National Weather Service for the latest information.
