Weather
Central Iowa Weather Oct. 13-17: Storms Give Way to 30s
Des Moines, IA – Central Iowa residents face a changing weather pattern from Tuesday, October 13, through Saturday, October 17, as several rounds of showers and thunderstorms give way to cooler temper
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-13T10:19:28.613Z
Des Moines, IA – Central Iowa residents face a changing weather pattern from Tuesday, October 13, through Saturday, October 17, as several rounds of showers and thunderstorms give way to cooler temperatures, with overnight lows potentially approaching freezing by the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, multiple disturbances will move through the region during the coming days, increasing opportunities for rainfall while temperatures remain near seasonal averages before a noticeable cooldown arrives.
Tuesday, October 13, will feature scattered showers and thunderstorms, with afternoon temperatures ranging from 64 to 81 degrees across central Iowa. Overnight temperatures are expected to fall between 44 and 61 degrees.
Wednesday, October 14, brings additional chances for showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the morning hours. Afternoon highs are forecast between 62 and 69 degrees, with overnight lows ranging from 46 to 57 degrees.
Unsettled conditions continue Thursday, October 15, with another opportunity for thunderstorms. High temperatures will range from 59 to 68 degrees before cooler air begins moving into the region.
Friday, October 16, marks a more noticeable shift toward colder weather, with afternoon temperatures expected to reach only 55 to 59 degrees.
Overnight temperatures could fall between 31 and 37 degrees in parts of central Iowa, introducing the possibility of frost or freezing conditions where temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower.
Communities around Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown and surrounding areas should prepare for changing temperatures and periodic wet roadways through the week.
Motorists traveling Interstate 35, Interstate 80 and other regional highways should remain alert during periods of rainfall, particularly where thunderstorms briefly reduce visibility.
Residents with sensitive outdoor plants may also want to monitor overnight temperatures heading into the weekend.
Although the forecast indicates increasing thunderstorm chances, the National Weather Service graphic does not identify a specific severe weather threat.
Additional forecast updates will help clarify rainfall timing and how widespread the colder temperatures become.