Weather
Iowa Winter Outlook 2026-27: Des Moines Snow, Cold Chances
Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents preparing for the 2026 27 winter season could experience a warmer than normal pattern, according to newly released federal weather outlooks. However, snowfall, freezing
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-10-16T16:17:30.366Z
Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents preparing for the 2026 27 winter season could experience a warmer than normal pattern, according to newly released federal weather outlooks. However, snowfall, freezing temperatures and winter storms remain possible across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and surrounding communities.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, seasonal outlooks issued Thursday, October 15, favor above normal temperatures across Iowa from November 2026 through January 2027, while precipitation remains less certain.
What temperatures could Iowa experience?
NOAA's temperature outlook places much of Iowa within a region showing approximately a 40% to 50% probability of above normal temperatures during the three month period.
The outlook suggests warmer conditions when averaged across the season, not necessarily consistently mild weather.
For Des Moines and central Iowa, occasional Arctic cold fronts, freezing temperatures and periods of snow remain possible despite the warmer seasonal outlook.
Similar conditions could affect Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Ames and Davenport.
Will Iowa see more snow this winter?
NOAA's precipitation outlook shows equal chances of above normal, near normal or below normal precipitation across Iowa.
That means forecasters currently lack a strong signal favoring an unusually wet or dry season.
The outlook also does not predict specific snowfall totals or the number of winter storms Iowa might experience.
Forecasters are monitoring the potential for very strong El Niño conditions to continue into winter. El Niño can influence atmospheric circulation and storm tracks, although its effects vary from year to year.
For Iowa drivers, winter weather could still create hazardous conditions along Interstate 80, Interstate 35 and Interstate 380 during individual storms.
Residents should continue monitoring National Weather Service forecasts as winter approaches, particularly for short term snowfall predictions, freezing rain and dangerous wind chills.
The next several months will help determine whether Iowa's warmer seasonal outlook translates into a milder winter or one still marked by significant cold and snow.