A bitter Arctic chill grips central Iowa this morning, with crisp winds sweeping across the Des Moines metro and open farm fields. Skies remain clear, but the air feels punishing — temperatures in the single digits with wind chills plunging between –15°F and –25°F through the morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, dangerously cold conditions will persist through Friday morning before clouds increase ahead of a developing snow system on Saturday. For now, the air stays brutally dry and cold, but forecasters are tracking a 30–60% chance of snow late Saturday into Saturday night. While totals are uncertain, a few inches of accumulation could blanket central and southern Iowa by early Sunday.
Travelers along I-35 and I-80 should prepare for slick stretches late Saturday, especially during evening hours as temperatures hover near 20°F. Strong northwest winds may also reduce visibility briefly as snow begins to fall.
Sunday will stay cold, with highs only in the teens to upper 20s. By Monday, some moderation arrives, but morning lows near zero will still challenge commuters and school travel. Meteorologists note that another Arctic surge may arrive around December 11–17, coinciding with heavier snow potential across the Midwest — a key period as holiday travel ramps up.
Plan for extreme cold and have emergency kits ready in vehicles. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and check on neighbors as Iowa endures one of its coldest mornings of the season.
Five-Day Outlook (Des Moines, IA):
- Thursday: Sunny, high 14°F, low 8°F. Wind chills –25°F early.
- Friday: Increasing clouds, high 33°F, low 19°F.
- Saturday: 30–60% snow chance, high 28°F, low 8°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high 18°F, low 2°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 28°F, still cold early.
