Iowa – Cold air bites early as pale sunshine glints off frozen sidewalks and quiet streets. Temperatures hover near 21 degrees in Des Moines this morning, with a sharp chill lingering just long enough to refreeze damp pavement before a dramatic February warmup begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, skies stay mostly sunny today with highs climbing near 40 degrees. Winds remain light, allowing snowmelt during the afternoon. That creates a familiar winter hazard once temperatures dip again tonight. Flash freezing is likely after sunset as lows fall back into the upper 20s, especially on bridges, ramps, and untreated neighborhood roads.
Sunday brings a noticeable shift. Sunshine dominates again, and highs reach the mid-40s. Any lingering ice softens quickly by late morning, improving travel conditions across Polk County and along I-235 and I-80. Sunday night stays mild for February standards, setting the stage for a striking change early next week.
Monday feels more like early spring than winter. Highs surge into the lower 60s under mostly sunny skies, a swing of more than 40 degrees from recent mornings. That warmth continues into Tuesday with highs in the low 50s, though clouds increase later in the day. A slight chance for light rain develops Tuesday night as temperatures fall back toward freezing.
By Wednesday, readings settle into the mid-40s with partial sunshine. While colder air tries to creep back late week, longer-range trends suggest above-normal temperatures lingering across Iowa into the six- to ten-day window. The Great Lakes remain largely frozen, but the broader Midwest thaw signals fewer prolonged cold snaps ahead.
Drivers should stay alert today where melting refreezes later. Enjoy the warmth early next week. Feeling the temperature swing already? Tell us how it feels where you are.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
- Today: Mostly sunny. High near 40°F.
- Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low near 28°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny and milder. High near 46°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and unseasonably warm. High near 63°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny. High near 52°F.
