Des Moines, IA – A developing storm system moving in from the west will bring widespread precipitation to Iowa Monday night into Tuesday, with a variety of weather depending on location. While most of the state will see primarily rain, northern Iowa may experience a rain–snow mix, and a few isolated rumbles of thunder are possible in southern parts of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, cloud cover will increase through Monday afternoon as breezy conditions develop. Winds will pick up from the southeast, with gusts reaching 20–25 mph by late evening. Rain will begin spreading into western Iowa late Monday and become more widespread overnight.
For areas north of Highway 20—including Mason City, Decorah, and Algona—temperatures overnight may dip close enough to freezing to allow snow to mix in with rain, especially toward early Tuesday morning. Snow accumulation is expected to remain minimal but could produce slick spots if temperatures fall faster than forecast.
Much of central and southern Iowa, including Des Moines, Ames, Ottumwa, and Council Bluffs, will see steady rain, with the potential for a few isolated thunderstorms, mainly across southern and southeastern Iowa. These storms are not expected to be severe but may bring brief heavier downpours.
Precipitation will gradually taper Tuesday morning from west to east. Temperatures rising above freezing statewide will transition any wintry mix back to rain before ending. Most areas will remain in the upper 30s to mid-40s during the day Tuesday, keeping impacts limited.
Drivers should plan for reduced visibility, wet roads, and potential patchy slick spots in northern counties. The weather service notes that even a 1–2°F temperature shift could move the rain–snow line farther north or south.
Residents across Iowa are encouraged to stay updated on the latest forecast as the overnight precipitation type may fluctuate based on temperature trends.
