Des Moines, Iowa – Flurries and very light snow are expected across parts of southern and southwestern Iowa tonight into Thursday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures that will bring dangerous cold conditions into Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, any snowfall tonight through Thursday will be light, with little to no accumulation expected. Flurries are most likely south and southwest of the Des Moines metro, while northern areas remain mostly dry. As a result, minimal travel impacts are anticipated from snow alone.
Conditions will change heading into Friday as a colder Arctic air mass settles into the region. Forecasters say Friday into early Saturday morning will be the coldest period, with feel-like temperatures ranging from 10 degrees above zero to as low as 20 degrees below zero Saturday morning. Wind chills near or below -10 degrees are possible across much of the area.
The cold will be especially noticeable along major travel corridors such as Interstate 35, Interstate 80, and U.S. Highway 65, where early morning commuters, overnight travelers, and outdoor workers could face hazardous exposure if stranded or delayed.
Daytime highs Friday are expected to remain in the single digits to lower teens, offering little relief. Saturday will remain cold, with some moderation late in the day before another chance for light snow develops Sunday, which remains uncertain at this time.
The NWS advises residents to take precautions during the cold snap, including dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, limiting time outdoors, and ensuring pets are brought inside. Homeowners should protect pipes by allowing faucets to drip and checking heating systems.
This forecast is especially relevant for commuters, students, and early-shift workers traveling during pre-dawn hours Friday.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates as conditions evolve through the weekend.
