Iowa wakes to a sharp winter edge as clouds race overhead and cold air scours the metro. The air feels crisp, wind cuts across open ground, and visibility can drop fast when snow bursts move through.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, brief snow bursts are possible late this morning through the afternoon. While snowfall totals stay minimal, gusty northwest winds increase quickly. Those winds can whip falling snow into sudden whiteouts, especially on exposed roads.
In Des Moines, drivers along I-35, I-80, and I-235 should expect changing conditions. Roads may look fine one minute, then visibility drops sharply the next. Snow accumulations remain light, but the combination of wind and falling snow creates the biggest concern today.
Temperatures hover near the mid-30s this afternoon, then fall into the low 20s tonight. As winds stay active, any moisture left on roads refreezes quickly after sunset. Flash freezing becomes a real risk on bridges, ramps, and untreated surfaces.
Sunday brings calmer weather and a return to sunshine. Highs rebound into the mid-30s, helping roads recover. Skies stay mostly clear into Sunday night, with lows near 30 before warmer air begins moving back in.
Early next week trends noticeably milder. Monday climbs near 50 with sunshine. Tuesday pushes into the mid-50s, feeling almost springlike for January. That warmth fades by midweek, when highs slide back into the 30s under partly cloudy skies.
For today, stay alert for sudden snow bursts, reduce speed when visibility drops, and allow extra distance between vehicles. Winter hazards may be brief, but they arrive fast.
Did you run into blowing snow or low visibility this morning? Share what you’re seeing across the Des Moines metro.
Five-Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
• Today: Slight chance of snow bursts, windy, high near 36
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 35
• Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 49
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 55
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 36
