Iowa – The air bites hard this morning, flags strain in stiff northwest wind, and frost clings to car doors across central Iowa. MLK Day unfolds under a deep winter chill, with conditions that demand caution from the first step outside.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through midday. Wind chills have dropped between 20 and 25 degrees below zero across central and southeastern Iowa. Actual temperatures hover near zero, while gusts near 30 mph rapidly drain body heat and raise frostbite risk in as little as 30 minutes.
Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, and Altoona are seeing mostly dry roads, but slick spots can develop quickly. Even brief melting on sun-exposed pavement can refreeze, creating black ice on bridges and untreated streets. Drivers along I-35, I-80, and I-235 should slow down and allow extra stopping distance.
The cold eases slightly later Tuesday, though temperatures remain well below average. Clouds increase Tuesday night, and light snow is possible across northern and northeastern Iowa. While accumulations appear limited, timing favors slippery travel into Wednesday morning. A brief midweek warm-up follows, with highs climbing into the 30s by Wednesday afternoon.
Attention then turns late week. Another push of Arctic air is expected Friday into Saturday, with colder daytime highs than today possible across much of Iowa. Long-range outlooks suggest winter remains firmly in control as January continues.
Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and keep pets indoors. Check on elderly neighbors and use heaters safely. Even routine errands can become risky in this cold.
Five Day Weather Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
• Today (MLK Day): Bitter cold, windy, high near 15°F
• Tuesday: Increasing clouds, high near 26°F
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 36°F
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 29°F
• Friday: Partly sunny, sharply colder, high near 5°F
