Des Moines, Iowa – Windy conditions and colder air have settled into central Iowa and are expected to persist through midweek, with snow chances returning late Thursday into Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, northwest winds will remain strong through Wednesday, with gusts between 30 and 40 miles per hour common across much of the region. These winds are pulling in significantly colder air, with highs Wednesday in the low to mid-20s north and low 30s south, roughly 20 to 25 degrees colder than Tuesday.
Forecasters say winds will increase again Thursday into Friday, coinciding with a chance for snow showers, especially across eastern Iowa. That is where light snow accumulation is most likely by late Friday. Portions of western Iowa may see little, if any, snowfall.
Strong winds during and after the snowfall could lead to blowing snow, reducing visibility at times even where accumulation remains limited. No snowfall totals were specified in the update, but impacts could include slick roads and difficult travel in open areas.
As snow exits the region Friday, another surge of colder air is expected to arrive. The National Weather Service said Saturday highs may fall into the single digits and teens for many locations across Iowa, marking the coldest conditions of the period.
Residents in Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, Fort Dodge, and surrounding communities are encouraged to prepare for prolonged windy conditions, fluctuating road conditions late week, and a sharp temperature drop heading into the weekend.
No watches or advisories were issued with this update, but officials recommend monitoring forecasts as late-week snow chances become clearer.
