Des Moines, Iowa – Temperatures will surge across Iowa and Illinois by Friday afternoon, climbing 10 to 15 degrees above normal and setting up a stretch of summer-like warmth with increasing storm chances.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, there is a 70 to 80 percent probability of above-normal temperatures across the region through early next week. Central Iowa, including Des Moines, and northern and central Illinois, including Chicago and Peoria, are in a favorable zone for sustained warmth.
Des Moines is expected to reach the upper 70s to low 80s by Saturday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with similar conditions spreading east along I-80 into Illinois. Chicago could see highs near 80 degrees, while areas along I-55 and I-74 warm quickly under partly sunny skies.
By late afternoon into the evening, increasing moisture will trigger scattered showers and thunderstorms across both states. Storms may produce brief heavy rain, lightning, and wind gusts over 40 mph, especially along I-80 and I-88, potentially impacting evening travel and outdoor plans.
Residents should stay hydrated, monitor changing weather conditions late in the day, and prepare for brief disruptions during the evening commute. This pattern will persist through the weekend into early next week, with additional advisories likely as heat and storm chances continue.
