Iowa is waking up under a thick blanket of gray clouds as cool air settles over Des Moines. The thermometer reads 39 degrees, and a light northeast breeze keeps the morning feeling brisk.
Patchy dense fog has been reported mainly north of Interstate 80, and visibility can drop quickly in low-lying areas. Drivers along I-80 and I-35 should stay alert for sudden changes, especially on bridges and rural stretches.
Clouds hang tough through the day with highs near 51 degrees. Skies remain mostly cloudy, and drizzle may develop late tonight. Lows fall to around 41, keeping conditions damp into early Thursday.
Thursday trends milder. After a slight chance of early drizzle, skies gradually brighten with highs climbing to 63 degrees. That break will be brief.
Rain and thunderstorms return Thursday night. Showers become more likely after sunset, and storms may strengthen toward midnight. By Friday, rain is likely through much of the day with highs near 69 degrees. Some storms later this week could produce large hail and damaging wind gusts.
Friday night turns sharply cooler. Temperatures drop to the mid-30s, and rain may mix with or change to snow before ending. While significant accumulation is not expected, rapid cooling could create slick spots by early Saturday.
Saturday rebounds with sunshine and highs near 52. Sunday warms further into the mid-60s, and Monday pushes into the low 70s. The 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across central Iowa, signaling building spring warmth.
Clocks spring ahead at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8. Longer daylight and true March spring vibes are just days away.
Five Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa:
Today: Mostly cloudy, high 51.
Thursday: Partly sunny, high 63.
Friday: Showers likely, high 69.
Saturday: Sunny, high 52.
Sunday: Sunny, high 65.
