Iowa – Dry air and gusty winds are quickly taking hold across central Iowa this morning, turning fields brittle and increasing the risk for fast-moving fires by midday. You can already feel the breeze picking up across Des Moines, pushing dust across open roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Red Flag Warning is in effect through 9 p.m., with northwest winds between 10 and 15 mph and gusts reaching 30 mph. Humidity levels will fall as low as 20 percent, creating critical fire weather conditions .
Across Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Ankeny, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Fires can ignite and spread rapidly under these conditions. Even small sparks from equipment or vehicles could trigger grass fires.
Drivers along I-35 and I-80 should also prepare for steady crosswinds, especially in open rural areas. While not extreme, the gusts may still impact high-profile vehicles.
Conditions stay elevated into Saturday. A Fire Weather Watch is in place as winds shift southwest and strengthen, with gusts potentially reaching 40 mph and humidity dropping even further.
The weekend brings a noticeable warm-up. Highs climb to near 59°F Saturday, then surge into the 70s Sunday with sunshine. By Monday, temperatures reach near 80°F, signaling an early push of summer-like warmth.
Storm chances return late Monday into Tuesday, offering potential relief from the dry pattern.
Five Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa:
Saturday: Sunny and breezy, high near 59°F
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 70°F
Monday: Partly sunny, high near 80°F
Tuesday: Chance of storms, high near 81°F
Wednesday: Chance of rain, high near 60°F
