Weather
Central Iowa Frost Alert: Des Moines Drops to 33° Oct 17
Des Moines, IA – A chilly start to the weekend is approaching central Iowa as widespread rain gives way to gusty winds, clearing skies and temperatures falling dangerously close to freezing for sensit
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-15T08:42:35.386Z
Des Moines, IA – A chilly start to the weekend is approaching central Iowa as widespread rain gives way to gusty winds, clearing skies and temperatures falling dangerously close to freezing for sensitive outdoor vegetation. The National Weather Service expects Des Moines to reach approximately 33 degrees early Saturday, October 17, with patchy frost developing after 3 a.m. Friday's windy conditions will mark the transition from Thursday's soaking rain to a colder, drier weather pattern, before sunshine and noticeably warmer temperatures return Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service forecast for Des Moines, Thursday carries a 100% chance of showers, with a possible thunderstorm before 3 p.m. Rainfall amounts between three quarters of an inch and 1 inch are possible during the day. Northwest winds will increase to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph as unsettled weather moves through the area.
Gusty Friday Winds Bring Colder Air Friday, October 16, will bring a noticeable change as rain moves away and temperatures struggle to reach approximately 53 degrees. The National Weather Service expects mostly cloudy skies and northwest winds of 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Those conditions could make outdoor activities feel considerably colder than Thursday's expected high of 61 degrees.
The stronger winds may also affect drivers traveling along Interstate 35, Interstate 80 and Interstate 235, particularly in exposed areas. Motorists should remain aware of changing crosswinds, while Thursday's rainfall could leave wet pavement and occasional reduced visibility during heavier showers.
By Friday evening, winds should begin weakening as skies become partly cloudy. Temperatures are expected to fall rapidly through the evening, eventually reaching approximately 33 degrees before sunrise Saturday.
Frost Expected Early Saturday Morning The most significant weekend weather concern arrives early Saturday, October 17, when patchy frost is expected after 3 a.m. The forecast low of 33 degrees places temperatures just above freezing, creating conditions favorable for frost formation on exposed surfaces.
Residents with sensitive flowers, garden plants and outdoor vegetation should consider protective measures before Friday night. Even when air temperatures remain slightly above 32 degrees, exposed plant surfaces can become cold enough for frost to develop.
The supplied National Weather Service forecast does not confirm an active frost advisory or freeze warning for Des Moines. Residents should monitor updated forecasts for changes in temperatures or official alerts.
Saturday afternoon will bring a considerable improvement, with sunshine returning and temperatures climbing to approximately 59 degrees. Areas of frost may linger before 9 a.m., but the afternoon should offer more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities across the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Sunshine and Warmer Temperatures Return Sunday Sunday, October 18, brings a more noticeable warming trend as afternoon temperatures reach approximately 65 degrees under sunny skies. The warmer conditions will provide a welcome contrast to Saturday's chilly morning, while mostly clear skies continue Sunday night with temperatures near 46 degrees.
The warming trend continues into next week. Monday should reach 69 degrees, followed by approximately 71 degrees Tuesday and 73 degrees Wednesday.
No additional frost event or significant precipitation system is identified in the supplied local forecast through Wednesday, October 21.
Will you be covering outdoor plants before Saturday morning's frost, or are you looking forward to Sunday's warmer weather?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers are expected throughout much of the day, with a 100% precipitation chance, possible thunderstorms and rainfall totals between three quarters of an inch and 1 inch. Temperatures reach 61 degrees before falling to 45 degrees Thursday night.
Friday 10/16: Mostly cloudy and windy conditions are expected, with a high near 53 degrees and northwest gusts reaching 34 mph. Skies become partly cloudy Friday night as temperatures fall to approximately 33 degrees, with patchy frost developing after 3 a.m.
Saturday 10/17: Areas of frost are expected before 9 a.m., followed by sunny skies and an afternoon high near 59 degrees. Clear conditions continue Saturday night, with temperatures dropping to approximately 42 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies and warmer temperatures return, with an afternoon high near 65 degrees across the Des Moines area. Mostly clear conditions continue Sunday night, with temperatures expected to settle near 46 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies are expected, with temperatures reaching approximately 69 degrees as the warming trend continues. Monday night turns partly cloudy, with an overnight low near 47 degrees and no precipitation probability specified in the supplied forecast.
Extended Outlook: October 20 21 Tuesday, October 20, is expected to be sunny, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 71 degrees and nighttime lows around 51 degrees.
Wednesday, October 21, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 73 degrees.