Weather
Central Iowa Weather Oct. 16–20: Cold Nights, Warmer Days Ahead
DES MOINES, Iowa — Central Iowa faces a sharp change in temperatures beginning Friday, Oct. 16, as colder air moves into the region, bringing breezy conditions, a weekend frost risk and a gradual retu
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-14T09:55:14.653Z
DES MOINES, Iowa — Central Iowa faces a sharp change in temperatures beginning Friday, Oct. 16, as colder air moves into the region, bringing breezy conditions, a weekend frost risk and a gradual return to warmer weather early next week.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong high pressure system descending from northern Canada will bring a significant temperature change across much of the central United States later this week. Temperatures behind the advancing cold front could fall as much as 20 to 25 degrees in some areas, with overnight readings approaching freezing in portions of the region.
In Des Moines, the transition will become noticeable Friday, when temperatures are expected to reach only 56 degrees following Thursday's high near 62.
North northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 31 mph, will accompany the cooler conditions Friday.
Frost Risk Develops Friday Night The coldest stretch of the forecast arrives Friday night into Saturday morning.
Des Moines temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 36 degrees overnight, with patchy frost possible after 4 a.m. Saturday.
The National Weather Service also identifies areas of frost before 8 a.m. Saturday, making the early morning hours particularly important for residents with sensitive outdoor plants.
While the forecast does not indicate a widespread freeze for Des Moines, temperatures in the middle 30s could allow frost to develop in susceptible locations.
Residents with late season gardens or outdoor vegetation may want to take precautions before Friday night.
The cooler weather follows a period of showers expected Thursday, when rain chances reach 90% in Des Moines. However, conditions should improve before the weekend as the weather system moves away.
Sunshine Returns as Temperatures Rebound Saturday brings a noticeably different pattern, with sunshine returning after the early frost risk.
Temperatures should climb to approximately 61 degrees Saturday afternoon before falling to around 44 overnight.
Sunday continues the warming trend, with sunny skies and highs near 65 degrees.
By Monday, temperatures in Des Moines are expected to reach 68 degrees, followed by a high near 72 Tuesday.
The rebound would place afternoon temperatures roughly 16 degrees above Friday's forecast high by Tuesday, providing a warmer finish to the five day period.
Although NOAA's broader outlook highlights the potential for freezing temperatures across portions of the central United States late this week, the specific frost forecast and daily temperatures cited here apply to Des Moines and should not be interpreted as statewide conditions.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for Des Moines, illustrating expected conditions in central Iowa.
Friday, Oct. 16: Mostly sunny and breezy, with northwest winds gusting as high as 31 mph. High near 56°. Overnight low around 36°, with patchy frost possible after 4 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17: Areas of frost before 8 a.m., followed by sunshine. High near 61°. Overnight low around 44° under clear skies. Sunday, Oct. 18: Sunny and warmer, with a high near 65°. Overnight low around 50° under mostly cloudy skies. Monday, Oct. 19: Mostly sunny, with temperatures climbing to approximately 68°. Overnight low around 50° with partly cloudy skies. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Sunny and warmer, with a high near 72°. Overnight low not available in the supplied forecast.