Iowa’s air feels almost like spring this morning, but the calm won’t last. Sunshine is already pushing temperatures upward, and strong southwest winds will gust near 28 mph by midday across Des Moines. That warmth is setting the stage for a quick weekend turn.

According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, highs reach 64 degrees today under sunny skies. Dry fields and low humidity between 25 and 35 percent may elevate fire concerns west and northwest of the metro. Winds shift northwest later today as cooler air begins sliding in.

Saturday cools sharply, with highs near 39 degrees as clouds gradually decrease. By Sunday afternoon, snow becomes likely, with a 60% chance of accumulation mainly after 1 p.m. Around 1 to 2 inches could fall across parts of central Iowa before tapering Sunday night.

Drivers along I-80, I-235, and Highway 65 should prepare for reduced visibility and slushy pavement by late Sunday. Temperatures drop to 22 degrees Sunday night. Any melted snow could refreeze quickly, creating icy patches before the Monday commute. This is classic flash-freeze season.

Monday stays mostly cloudy with a high near 41. A 50% chance of rain develops Monday night. Tuesday introduces a tricky setup, with a chance of rain or brief freezing rain before temperatures climb toward 42 degrees.

March begins with unsettled skies, but midweek temperatures rebound into the mid-40s, then near 50 by Thursday. Longer-range trends favor above-normal warmth building into next weekend, signaling early spring vibes across Iowa.

Plan ahead if traveling Sunday evening into early Monday. Are roads slick in your neighborhood?

Five Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa:

Today: Sunny, high 64. Breezy, gusts to 28 mph.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy early, then gradual clearing, high 39.
Sunday: Snow likely after 1 p.m., high 33.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 41.
Tuesday: Chance of rain or freezing rain early, high 42.