DES MOINES, Iowa – Central and southern Iowa will see another frosty start Thursday morning as clear skies and calm winds allow temperatures to drop near or just below freezing across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Frost Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday and will return from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday. The advisory includes Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, Newton, and Indianola, along with dozens of surrounding communities stretching from Pocahontas and Fort Dodge to Chariton and Centerville. Temperatures are expected to dip as low as 30°F in rural and low-lying areas.
Sensitive outdoor plants and late-season crops could be damaged or killed if left unprotected. Residents should cover tender vegetation, move potted flowers indoors, and disconnect garden hoses. According to Iowa Emergency Management, frost will be most widespread along and south of I-80, with patchier coverage farther north.
Drivers may encounter frosted windshields and reduced visibility early Thursday, particularly near rivers and valleys. Conditions will improve by midmorning as sunshine returns, leading to a crisp, clear afternoon.
According to the NWS, temperatures will moderate slightly into the weekend, but chilly mornings are expected to persist into early next week as fall settles firmly over the region.
