Weather
Central Iowa Weather Update: Rain Chances Rise Before Halloween Oct 28-3
Des Moines, IA – Thunderstorms could interrupt an otherwise mild stretch of late October weather across central Iowa Wednesday night, Oct. 28, as rain chances climb to 60% around Des Moines. After sev
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-25T10:02:34.872Z
Des Moines, IA – Thunderstorms could interrupt an otherwise mild stretch of late October weather across central Iowa Wednesday night, Oct. 28, as rain chances climb to 60% around Des Moines. After several afternoons with temperatures in the 70s, a developing period of unsettled weather could bring wet roads and changing travel conditions heading into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service forecast indicates showers becoming likely after 1 a.m. Thursday, with thunderstorms also possible as the region approaches the final days before Halloween.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, Wednesday will begin with relatively favorable conditions, including mostly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 75 degrees. A slight chance of showers exists before 1 p.m., with precipitation probability at 20%. The more substantial weather change is expected Wednesday night, when showers and thunderstorms become possible before rain chances increase later in the night.
Wednesday Night Brings the Strongest Midweek Rain Signal The forecast calls for a 60% chance of precipitation Wednesday night, with showers becoming likely and a possible thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 56 degrees, keeping conditions well above freezing. Although thunderstorms are included in the forecast, the supplied outlook does not establish a specific severe weather threat for Des Moines or provide expected rainfall totals.
The timing could become important for commuters traveling early Thursday along Interstate 35, Interstate 80 and Interstate 235. Showers developing during the late night and early morning hours could leave pavement wet, particularly where rainfall becomes more persistent. Drivers should account for changing visibility and allow additional stopping distance if heavier showers develop. No highway closures, flooding warnings or confirmed travel disruptions are indicated in the available forecast.
Temperatures Remain Mild Before Rain Chances Increase The approaching rain follows several relatively warm days across central Iowa. Sunday, Oct. 25, is expected to reach approximately 76 degrees under partly sunny skies, while Monday brings another comfortable afternoon with temperatures near 73 degrees. Tuesday remains mild, with a high near 72 degrees and mostly cloudy conditions, before a slight chance of showers develops after 1 a.m. Wednesday.
These temperatures provide a relatively comfortable backdrop for outdoor activities, although the increasing cloud cover signals a change toward less settled conditions. Winds remain generally light through the beginning of the week, with northeast winds Monday shifting toward the east southeast during the afternoon. Tuesday brings south winds of 6 to 9 mph, without significant gusts specified in the local forecast.
The broader NOAA Weather Prediction Center discussion describes a frontal system moving across the central United States during the early part of the week. Additional rain and thunderstorms are expected across portions of the Plains as weather systems move northeastward. However, the national discussion's excessive rainfall risk areas are not specifically assigned to Des Moines, and the local forecast does not indicate a comparable flooding threat.
Rain Chances Continue Into Halloween Weekend Thursday, Oct. 29, offers some improvement during the afternoon, with partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 74 degrees. However, showers remain possible Thursday night, with precipitation chances increasing to 50% and temperatures falling near 58 degrees.
The unsettled pattern continues Friday, when showers remain possible with a 30% precipitation chance and a high near 76 degrees. Friday night brings a 40% chance of showers before rain becomes more likely Saturday, Oct. 31, with a 60% precipitation probability and temperatures reaching approximately 71 degrees.
For families preparing Halloween activities, Saturday's forecast is worth monitoring because rain could affect outdoor plans. The available forecast does not specify exactly when Saturday's showers will occur, leaving uncertainty about conditions during evening trick or treating.
Will the increasing rain chances change your Halloween plans around Des Moines this year?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Partly sunny skies are expected across Des Moines, with an afternoon high near 76 degrees and light, variable winds; Sunday night becomes mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 54 degrees and light northeast winds.
Monday 10/26: Partly sunny conditions continue, with temperatures reaching approximately 73 degrees and northeast winds of 5 to 7 mph shifting east southeast during the afternoon; Monday night turns mostly cloudy, with a low near 57 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Mostly cloudy skies dominate the afternoon, with a high near 72 degrees and south winds of 6 to 9 mph; Tuesday night remains mostly cloudy, with a low near 57 degrees and a 20% chance of showers after 1 a.m.
Wednesday 10/28: Mostly sunny skies are expected, with a high near 75 degrees and a 20% chance of showers before 1 p.m.; Wednesday night brings possible thunderstorms and showers becoming likely after 1 a.m., with a 60% precipitation chance and a low near 56 degrees.
Thursday 10/29: Partly sunny skies return during the afternoon, with temperatures reaching approximately 74 degrees; Thursday night brings another 50% chance of showers, with partly cloudy conditions and temperatures falling to around 58 degrees.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30, brings a 30% chance of showers, partly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 76 degrees. Friday night becomes mostly cloudy, with a 40% chance of showers and a low around 59 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 31, is expected to be mostly cloudy, with showers likely and a 60% chance of precipitation. Afternoon temperatures should reach approximately 71 degrees.
The available National Weather Service forecast does not specify rainfall totals, severe thunderstorm probabilities or precise shower timing for Halloween evening.