Weather
Iowa Weather Alert Oct. 26-30: Thunderstorms Return Midweek
Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents should prepare for a wetter second half of the week as rain and thunderstorm chances increase beginning Wednesday evening, following several days of relatively warm lat
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-26T19:56:32.823Z
Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents should prepare for a wetter second half of the week as rain and thunderstorm chances increase beginning Wednesday evening, following several days of relatively warm late October temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, showers will continue across northwest Iowa through Monday evening, Oct. 26, before ending overnight. Additional opportunities for rain and thunderstorms are expected across portions of the state from midweek through Friday.
Monday's temperatures range widely across Iowa, with afternoon highs between 49 and 75 degrees. The ongoing showers are primarily affecting northwest Iowa, while other locations experience quieter conditions.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, should bring a brief break for much of the state, although a few isolated showers remain possible across central and southwest Iowa. Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 61 to 75 degrees.
By Wednesday, Oct. 28, the weather pattern becomes more active.
Forecasters expect rain and thunderstorms to become likely after sunset Wednesday, with daytime highs climbing between 70 and 78 degrees.
The unsettled conditions are expected to continue Thursday, Oct. 29, as additional showers and thunderstorms arrive after sunset. Temperatures should remain relatively mild, with highs between 63 and 77 degrees.
Friday, Oct. 30, brings another opportunity for scattered showers and thunderstorms, with afternoon temperatures ranging from 63 to 76 degrees.
The changing forecast could affect evening travel, outdoor activities and Halloween preparations across Des Moines, Polk County and surrounding central Iowa communities.
While thunderstorms are expected, the National Weather Service outlook does not specify a severe weather threat in this update.
Residents should monitor changing forecasts throughout the week, particularly ahead of Wednesday and Thursday evening activities.
For updated forecasts and weather alerts, visit weather.gov/desmoines .