Iowa – Frost clings to windshields this morning as clear skies give Des Moines a sharp February start. Breath hangs in the air now, but change is already underway.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, temperatures rise steadily today, climbing from the upper 20s into the mid-40s by afternoon. Light winds and sunshine help melt leftover frost and ice, but refreezing remains a concern once temperatures fall again later tonight.
Roads may look dry by midday, yet shaded areas, bridges, and ramps can stay slick. Drivers on I-235, I-80, and I-35 should watch for brief icy patches early, especially near overpasses. Plan extra braking distance during the morning commute.
Tonight cools quickly, dropping near 29°F. Any melted snow or moisture can freeze again before Monday morning. This pattern creates classic flash-freeze conditions common in February, when daytime warmth hides nighttime hazards.
Monday delivers a bigger shift. Sunshine dominates, and highs surge into the mid-60s. Gusts near 20 mph help accelerate snowmelt across central Iowa. Puddles expand, fields soften, and runoff increases, though no flooding concerns are currently posted.
Tuesday cools slightly but stays mild for the season, with highs near 50°F. Clouds increase, signaling a more unsettled pattern midweek. By Wednesday night into Thursday, rain may mix with snow as temperatures hover near freezing, creating another window for slick travel.
Looking into the 6–10 day range, above-normal temperatures continue across much of the central Plains. With the Great Lakes still heavily frozen, sharp swings remain possible, but signs point toward a broader late-winter thaw.
For now, expect a cold start, a mild afternoon, and icy refreezing after dark. Are roads thawing where you live, or staying slick?
Five-Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
• Today: Mostly sunny, high 46°F
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high 64°F
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 49°F
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 47°F
• Thursday: Chance rain/snow mix, high 46°F
