Des Moines, Iowa – Strong thunderstorms are expected to impact central and western Iowa today, bringing gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for large hail and funnel clouds through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, storm chances begin Sunday morning in western Iowa and will intensify through the afternoon and evening across central counties including Polk, Story, Jasper, and Marion. Spotter activation is likely as conditions could support damaging winds and isolated severe weather.
Cities such as Ames, West Des Moines, and Marshalltown may see storms between 3 p.m. and midnight, with rainfall totals between a quarter and half an inch. Lightning and localized flooding could pose hazards for evening travel on I-35 and Highway 30. South winds may gust up to 25 mph at times during the heaviest activity.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during storms, and keep mobile devices charged in case of power outages. Funnel clouds cannot be ruled out, especially in areas where wind shear intensifies.
Storm activity may ease by Monday morning, but more thunderstorms are possible mid to late week as another system moves into the region.
🔹 Five Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
- Sunday: 30% chance of PM storms. High 89°F. Wind S 5–7 mph.
- Sunday Night: 80% chance of storms, possibly severe. Low 67°F.
- Monday: Slight chance of AM storms. High 85°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny and dry. High 89°F. Low 65°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, slight chance of evening storms. High 89°F.
