Des Moines, IA – The air across Iowa feels heavy and still this morning, a calm before another blast of snow and bitter cold grips the region heading into the weekend. The National Weather Service in Des Moines warns of accumulating snow Friday and Saturday, followed by wind chills dropping to 20–30 below zero by early Sunday morning.
Light snow will begin Friday afternoon and continue into early Saturday, with 1 to 2 inches of accumulation possible across central and southern Iowa. Roads could turn slick quickly, particularly along I-35, I-80, and U.S. 30, where bursts of heavier snow may reduce visibility. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and keep emergency kits in vehicles as temperatures plummet through Saturday evening.
Behind the snow, a blast of Arctic air will settle in, sending temperatures into the single digits and wind chills dangerously below zero. “This is a serious cold snap — frostbite can develop in minutes if you’re not bundled up,” forecasters cautioned.
By Sunday morning, lows near -10°F are expected in rural areas, while Des Moines may bottom out near -2°F. Sunshine returns Monday, but highs will stay well below freezing before gradually warming midweek.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Friday: Snow developing late, high 27°F, low 8°F.
- Saturday: Snow early, then cold, high 16°F, low -10°F.
- Sunday: Frigid, high 10°F, low 2°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 32°F.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, high 37°F.
