Weather
Des Moines, IA Weather: Strong Winds Through Friday Oct 16
DES MOINES, IA – Strong winds gusting up to 45 mph and morning wind chills in the 30s are expected across much of Iowa on Friday, Oct. 16, as cooler fall weather moves into the region, with afternoon
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-15T20:30:39.610Z
DES MOINES, IA – Strong winds gusting up to 45 mph and morning wind chills in the 30s are expected across much of Iowa on Friday, Oct. 16, as cooler fall weather moves into the region, with afternoon temperatures struggling to climb beyond the lower 50s.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, winds will increase Thursday evening and remain strong through Friday afternoon, with gusts generally reaching 35 to 45 mph.
The strongest gusts are forecast during the overnight and morning hours Friday, although windy conditions could continue into the afternoon.
Morning wind chills are expected to fall into the lower to middle 30s across much of central Iowa, including approximately 36 degrees in Des Moines, 35 in Ames and 32 in Fort Dodge.
Farther north, wind chills could drop to around 28 degrees in Sheldon, 31 in Algona and 34 in Mason City.
Eastern Iowa will also experience chilly conditions, with morning wind chills near 36 degrees in Waterloo and 38 in Cedar Rapids and Davenport.
Actual air temperatures Friday morning are forecast to remain in the upper 30s to lower 40s across much of the region.
A few scattered showers are possible Friday morning across northern and eastern Iowa before conditions dry out later in the day.
Despite the chilly start, afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the lower 50s, providing some relief from the morning cold.
The combination of strong winds and lower temperatures will make outdoor conditions feel considerably cooler, particularly during the morning commute.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items ahead of the strongest gusts and prepare for windy conditions while traveling Friday.
Iowa residents should expect the strongest winds overnight into Friday morning, followed by continued breezy conditions, afternoon highs in the lower 50s and diminishing shower chances later Friday.