Iowa starts the morning wrapped in cold air and patchy fog, with headlights glowing through a gray haze. What looks calm at first glance carries real risk, especially where snow remains on the ground across central Iowa.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, fog is expected to develop through the early morning hours in areas with lingering snowpack. In some spots, freezing fog may form, coating roads, bridges, and sidewalks with a thin glaze of ice. Visibility could drop quickly, creating hazardous travel conditions during early commutes.
Conditions improve slightly later in the day as clouds thin and temperatures climb toward 40 degrees. Even so, slick patches may linger on untreated roads. Drivers should slow down, use low beams in fog, and allow extra stopping distance.
The pattern shifts again midweek. Clouds return Wednesday night, followed by rain chances toward early Thursday. While amounts look light, wet pavement sets the stage for additional hazards once colder air moves back in.
Thursday turns noticeably windier. Gusty winds develop across the metro, pulling colder air into the region. Temperatures fall quickly Thursday night, dropping near 10 degrees. Any remaining moisture may refreeze, increasing the risk for black ice, especially after sunset.
This is a classic December transition setup. Fog, melting, and refreezing often lead to spikes in winter travel accidents. Residents should prepare now by checking tires, topping off windshield fluid, and planning extra travel time.
Friday looks calmer but colder, with sunshine returning and highs in the upper 30s. The weekend stays seasonable, with dry conditions and gradual temperature moderation into the low 40s by Saturday.
Meteorologists say these early-season winter patterns often intensify heading deeper into December, especially with holiday travel approaching.
5-Day Outlook for Des Moines
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 43
- Thursday: Windy, high near 40
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 37
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 42
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 33
