Iowa greets Monday with damp air, muted skies, and headlights glowing against lingering haze. Pavement looks dry for now, but winter remains close.
Early this morning, temperatures in Des Moines hover near 35 degrees. Winds stay light, and visibility remains decent. Still, moisture hangs low, setting up fog development later tonight. Drivers heading out this morning should stay alert, especially near river valleys and open stretches of I-80.
Through the day, clouds dominate as highs climb near 49. It feels mild for January, to be fair. That warmth helps roads stay wet instead of icy. Conditions remain quiet through the afternoon, making daytime travel manageable.
Changes arrive tonight into Tuesday morning. Patchy fog develops after midnight and may thicken before sunrise. Some pockets could turn dense, reducing visibility below a mile. School traffic and early commuters should slow down and allow extra braking distance.
By Tuesday afternoon, skies brighten and temperatures reach the upper 40s. Fog lifts, and travel improves. Tuesday night cools quickly, dropping to near freezing. Any leftover moisture could refreeze on bridges and untreated roads.
Wednesday brings the warmest air of the week. Sunshine pushes highs near 57, well above normal for Winter 2026. It feels like a brief pause in the season. Outdoor plans fare well, but melting snow piles may leave wet pavement after dark.
Attention turns to Thursday and Friday. Clouds thicken Thursday, with rain chances increasing late. By Friday, temperatures fall toward 40 as rain continues. Late Friday night, a rain-to-snow mix becomes possible as colder air returns. Even light snow could create slick travel, especially after sunset.
This pattern signals classic January swings across central Iowa. Stay Weather-aware as winter slowly tightens its grip again.
Seeing fog or slick spots where you live? Share what conditions look like in your area.
Five-Day Weather Outlook: Des Moines, Iowa
Monday: Mostly cloudy. High 49.
Tuesday: Morning fog, then sun. High 48.
Wednesday: Sunny and mild. High 57.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, rain late. High 50.
Friday: Rain, possible snow late. High 40.
