Weather
Iowa Winter Weather: First Snow Before Thanksgiving, Nov. 26?
Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents wondering when the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season might arrive have an early November date to watch. Des Moines typically records its first accumul
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-17T08:15:41.042Z
Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents wondering when the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season might arrive have an early November date to watch. Des Moines typically records its first accumulating snow more than two weeks before Thanksgiving, while stronger winter storms can bring dangerous travel conditions later in November and December.
According to historical snowfall information provided for this report, Des Moines generally experiences its first measurable snowfall around Nov. 11. That is 15 days before Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 26, this year.
When Does Iowa Usually See Its First Snow? Iowa's location in the central Midwest exposes the state to cold air moving south from Canada and storm systems crossing the Great Plains.
Northern Iowa, including communities near Mason City, Decorah and the Minnesota border, can experience colder conditions and accumulating snowfall earlier than southern communities.
Des Moines, located in Polk County, provides a central Iowa reference point for typical first snowfall timing.
Measurable snowfall is defined as at least 0.1 inches of accumulation. Flurries can occur before measurable accumulation is recorded.
Could Snow Affect Thanksgiving Travel? Historical patterns suggest that snowfall before Thanksgiving is possible across Iowa, with Des Moines' typical first measurable snowfall arriving in early November.
However, the state's more disruptive winter weather often develops later in November and December.
Strong winds can combine with falling or blowing snow to reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.
Major routes, including Interstate 80, Interstate 35 and Interstate 29, can become dangerous during significant winter storms.
Blizzard conditions depend on wind and visibility thresholds, not simply how much snow falls.
The Nov. 11 benchmark represents historical timing, not a confirmed snowfall or blizzard forecast for 2026.
Residents across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Sioux City and Council Bluffs should monitor National Weather Service forecasts as November approaches.
For now, Iowa's historical snowfall patterns point toward early November for Des Moines' first measurable snow, with the potential for more significant winter storms later in the season.