Weather
Des Moines, IA Weather Today: 35°F as Iowa Sees First Freeze Oct 17
Mason City, IA – Iowa experienced its first widespread freeze of the season early Saturday, October 17, 2026, as temperatures plunged into the upper 20s and low 30s across much of the state. Several c
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-17T15:46:20.405Z
Mason City, IA – Iowa experienced its first widespread freeze of the season early Saturday, October 17, 2026, as temperatures plunged into the upper 20s and low 30s across much of the state. Several communities recorded temperatures as low as 28°F, marking a significant arrival of colder fall weather.
According to the National Weather Service NWS in Des Moines, much of Iowa dropped below the freezing mark of 32°F Saturday morning. Des Moines, Lamoni and portions of eastern Iowa were among the areas that remained above freezing, with overnight lows generally in the mid 30s.
Saturday, October 17: Temperatures Fall to 28°F
Northern Iowa experienced some of the coldest conditions.
Mason City, IA, Estherville, IA, and Forest City, IA, each recorded morning lows of 28°F.
Carroll, IA, and Denison, IA, also reached 28°F, while Hampton, IA, and Waterloo, IA, dropped to 30°F.
Across central Iowa, Fort Dodge, IA, and Ames, IA, recorded 30°F, while Marshalltown, IA, reached 31°F.
These observations confirm that freezing temperatures extended across a large portion of northern and central Iowa.
Des Moines, IA, Stays Above Freezing
Not every community experienced freezing temperatures.
Des Moines, IA, recorded a morning low of 35°F, remaining three degrees above freezing.
Farther south, Lamoni, IA, reached 34°F, while Ottumwa, IA, dropped to 30°F.
The temperature differences highlight how the first widespread freeze affected communities unevenly across the state.
What the First Freeze Means for Residents
Temperatures at or below 32°F can damage sensitive plants, especially in gardens and areas where vegetation remains exposed.
Residents in communities that experienced freezing conditions should inspect vulnerable outdoor plants for possible cold damage.
The first widespread freeze also serves as a reminder to prepare for colder overnight temperatures as autumn continues.
While Saturday's observations confirm widespread freezing conditions, they do not establish whether another freeze will occur Saturday night, October 17 18.
Residents should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts for additional cold weather alerts and overnight temperature changes.