Weather
Western Iowa Weather: Warm Weekend, Then Showers Arrive Oct. 26
Des Moines, IA – Central Iowa residents can expect an unusually mild feeling stretch of late October weather heading into the weekend, with temperatures reaching the middle to upper 70s before a notic
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-21T09:55:53.957Z
Des Moines, IA – Central Iowa residents can expect an unusually mild feeling stretch of late October weather heading into the weekend, with temperatures reaching the middle to upper 70s before a noticeable cooldown arrives early next week. Des Moines is forecast to reach 76 degrees Saturday, October 24, before afternoon highs fall to approximately 57 degrees Tuesday, a 19 degree difference that could make the final days of October feel considerably cooler.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, sunshine will dominate much of the week, with highs reaching 78 degrees Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures will remain in the 70s through Sunday before increasing cloud cover and a chance of showers accompany cooler conditions Monday.
The warming pattern aligns with the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center's broader outlook, which identifies expanding upper level high pressure supporting above normal temperatures across the central United States through the weekend.
For residents across Des Moines, Polk County and the surrounding central Iowa region, the forecast provides several opportunities for outdoor activities before the weather changes.
Five Day Des Moines Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Partly sunny skies will gradually become sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 78 degrees. South southwest winds will remain light at 3 to 5 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 52 degrees and light southwest winds continuing.
Thursday 10/22: Sunshine continues across central Iowa, with another afternoon high near 78 degrees. Calm winds will become southerly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures falling to approximately 53 degrees and southeast winds of 3 to 5 mph.
Friday 10/23: Sunny skies are expected, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 75 degrees. South southeast winds of 5 to 11 mph could produce gusts as high as 20 mph. Friday night will become partly cloudy, with overnight lows around 59 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: Partly sunny skies are expected, with temperatures reaching approximately 76 degrees. The mild afternoon should provide favorable conditions for fall festivals, outdoor recreation and weekend travel. Saturday night will become mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 56 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Partly sunny skies will continue, although temperatures will begin trending lower. Afternoon highs are forecast near 69 degrees. Sunday night will become mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to approximately 51 degrees as the weekend warmth gradually fades.
Rain Chances Return as Temperatures Fall The more noticeable weather change is expected Monday, October 26.
The National Weather Service forecasts a 40% chance of showers Monday, with mostly cloudy skies and afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 61 degrees.
Monday night carries a 30% chance of showers, with temperatures falling to around 46 degrees.
By Tuesday, October 27, partly sunny skies are expected, but temperatures will reach only about 57 degrees.
Looking farther ahead, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center outlook for October 28 through November 3 favors above normal temperatures across Iowa, despite the shorter term cooling trend.
The precipitation outlook also indicates a slight tilt toward above normal precipitation across central Iowa during that extended period.
These longer range outlooks describe overall probabilities, not specific rainfall amounts or daily weather conditions.
For central Iowa residents, Saturday offers another opportunity to enjoy temperatures in the 70s before cooler conditions and renewed shower chances develop early next week.