Weather
Iowa Weather Update: Warm Through Friday, Rain Returns Saturday Oct 24
Des Moines, IA – A stretch of mild, dry October weather will continue across much of central Iowa through Friday, October 23, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 70s before rain chance
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-20T11:13:12.728Z
Des Moines, IA – A stretch of mild, dry October weather will continue across much of central Iowa through Friday, October 23, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 70s before rain chances return late Saturday and into Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, high temperatures will generally range from the upper 60s to upper 70s throughout the week, providing several days of favorable conditions for outdoor activities and agricultural operations.
Tuesday, October 20, will bring mostly sunny skies , with afternoon highs ranging from 68 to 73 degrees across the forecast area.
Wednesday will be slightly warmer, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures climbing between 71 and 76 degrees.
By Thursday, October 22, temperatures are expected to reach their highest levels of the forecast period.
Afternoon highs will range from 73 to 78 degrees, with mostly sunny skies continuing across central Iowa.
A change in weather conditions begins Friday, October 23.
Although temperatures will remain mild, ranging from 69 to 74 degrees, breezy conditions are expected to develop alongside partly cloudy skies.
Saturday, October 24, will bring another relatively warm afternoon, with highs between 70 and 75 degrees.
However, the Weather Service indicates that scattered showers could begin developing across northwestern portions of its forecast area late Saturday.
Rain chances are expected to continue into Sunday, October 25, potentially bringing a change to the otherwise dry weather pattern.
The extended stretch of mild conditions may benefit farmers continuing fall harvest operations, although increasing rain chances could affect fieldwork later in the weekend.
Residents across Des Moines, Polk County and surrounding central Iowa communities should monitor updated forecasts as the timing and coverage of weekend precipitation become clearer.
While the forecast indicates a return of rain chances, widespread heavy rainfall is not specifically predicted in the current outlook.
For updated local weather information, visit weather.gov/dmx.