Iowa – The sky over Des Moines looks quiet now, but snow is lining up to hit by evening and change the drive home fast.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. this evening until 6 a.m. Friday for central Iowa. According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, total snowfall of 2 to 5 inches is expected, with a narrow corridor possibly reaching 6 inches. Snowfall rates may approach or exceed 1 inch per hour at times.
Rain may mix in briefly before colder air flips everything to snow. Once that changeover happens, roads will deteriorate quickly. Slushy pavement could turn snow-covered in less than an hour, especially along I-80 and I-35 through the metro.
Plan extra time for the evening commute. Keep headlights on and increase following distance. Conditions may vary sharply from one neighborhood to another depending on where the heavier band sets up.
Snow tapers by early Friday morning. Skies gradually clear Friday with a high near 33 degrees. Friday night drops to 17, allowing any untreated moisture to refreeze. Watch for flash freezing as temperatures fall.
Saturday turns partly sunny with a high near 32. Saturday night dips to 15 under mostly clear skies. Sunday stays sunny but colder, with highs near 29 and lows around 10 Sunday night.
Monday brings sunshine and a high near 30 before a noticeable warming trend begins Tuesday. Highs climb into the 50s by midweek, signaling early hints of Spring Warmth across Iowa.
Five-Day Outlook – Des Moines, IA
Friday: Clearing, 33.
Saturday: Partly sunny, 32.
Sunday: Sunny, 29.
Monday: Sunny, 30.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, 51.
