DES MOINES, Iowa – Central Iowa wakes up to gray skies and light rain Tuesday morning, but a sharp turnaround to warmer, sunnier weather arrives midweek. After patchy showers fade by Wednesday, the metro will enjoy several dry, comfortable days perfect for outdoor work, travel, and fall events.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, scattered showers will linger through Tuesday afternoon with northeast winds up to 10 mph. A few isolated thunderstorms may develop Tuesday night into early Wednesday, though rainfall totals will remain light. Highs will reach only the low 60s today before climbing sharply into the upper 70s by midweek.
By Thursday, high pressure builds over the region, bringing sunny skies and breezy southeast winds up to 20 mph. Afternoon highs will push into the low 80s, well above seasonal averages for mid-October. Another quick system approaches Friday, bringing a 30–40% chance of light rain by evening before clearing skies and cooler air arrive for the weekend.
Travel conditions along I-35 and I-80 are expected to improve steadily after Tuesday’s showers, with dry pavement and excellent visibility through Saturday. Farmers and outdoor crews can expect ideal working conditions late week, while weekend plans look dry and seasonably warm across the Des Moines metro.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
Tue: 63/58 – Cloudy; light showers and drizzle.
Wed: 77/61 – Partly sunny; slight AM rain chance.
Thu: 82/64 – Sunny; breezy southeast winds.
Fri: 79/53 – PM showers possible; 30–40% chance.
Sat: 71/45 – Sunny; cooler, crisp fall air returns.
