Des Moines, Iowa – Sunshine is already taking control across central Iowa, and the pavement is warming fast. By this afternoon, parks, neighborhoods, and major highways around Des Moines will feel noticeably hotter as a prolonged stretch of midsummer heat settles over the region.
According to the National Weather Service, Des Moines will reach 92 degrees today under sunny skies with light southeast winds around 5 mph. Each day through Thursday turns a little hotter, with highs climbing to 93 Tuesday, 95 Wednesday, and 96 Thursday. Overnight temperatures remain unusually warm, only falling into the upper 60s and lower 70s, offering little nighttime cooling.
Drivers on Interstate 35, Interstate 80, and Interstate 235 should expect increasing heat radiating from pavement during the afternoon commute. While travel conditions remain dry and excellent, anyone working outdoors should schedule frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during peak afternoon heating.
The Weather Prediction Center continues highlighting severe thunderstorms and flash flooding across portions of the central Plains and Midwest. While those more organized storms are expected to stay west and north of central Iowa through midweek, Iowans should continue monitoring daily updates because weather patterns can shift quickly. At this time, no significant thunderstorm or tornado threat is indicated for the Des Moines metro through Thursday.
Long-range outlooks favor above-normal temperatures during the next 6 to 10 days, signaling that this summer heat pattern may continue into next week with little relief in sight.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa
- Today: Sunny. High 92°F. Low 68°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny. High 93°F. Low 71°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 95°F. Low 73°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 96°F. Low 74°F.
- Friday: Sunny. High 96°F. Low 75°F.
