DES MOINES, Iowa – Crisp air and clear skies will give way to a raw, damp chill across central Iowa this weekend as the first true taste of early winter begins to settle in. Winds will stiffen, clouds will thicken, and by Saturday night, rain may briefly turn to snow as colder air sweeps across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, highs in the 60s today will tumble into the 40s by Saturday afternoon, with widespread rain expected late in the day. Forecasters say a quick-moving system could pull just enough cold air into the area to create a brief rain-snow mix before tapering early Sunday. While no measurable accumulation is expected, wet pavement and dropping temperatures could make for slick spots, especially along I-80 and rural highways west of the metro.
Travelers should plan for reduced visibility and occasional gusts up to 25 mph through Saturday night. The Iowa Department of Transportation encourages checking road conditions before early holiday or playoff travel. Power crews and farmers are also urged to secure equipment and protect outdoor pipes as temperatures dip into the 20s by Sunday night.
Sunday will bring a brighter but colder finish to the weekend, with highs struggling to reach the mid-30s under mostly sunny skies. The cold pattern appears locked in through Veterans Day, with wind chills early next week expected to drop into the teens across northern Iowa.
It’s a sure sign that the heart of November is turning — and Iowa’s first winter tease has officially arrived.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
Fri: 63/38 – Sunny, breezy; mild before late clouds move in.
Sat: 42/25 – Rain developing; possible rain/snow mix late.
Sun: 35/22 – Mostly sunny, much colder; brisk north wind.
Mon: 40/28 – Sunny and cool; light breeze.
Tue: 37/30 – Mostly sunny; early chill continues.
