Des Moines, Iowa – A quick round of showers may break the sunshine streak in Central Iowa Monday night, but don’t expect lasting relief. Des Moines will rebound fast with sunshine and climbing temps, kicking off another stretch of below-normal rainfall through Friday, September 12.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s 6–10 day precipitation outlook, Iowa’s capital sits on the edge of a drier-than-average air mass that will dominate midweek onward. After a high near 81°F Monday, isolated showers and storms could move in after midnight—mainly impacting travel along I-235 and I-80 by early Tuesday morning.
Rainfall totals are expected to be light—less than a tenth of an inch for most. After that, skies will clear quickly, and Des Moines will climb back into the mid-to-upper 80s through Friday, with no additional rain in sight.
Residents are advised to monitor localized downpours late Monday night, but no widespread flooding or storm impacts are expected. Dry air will return by Tuesday afternoon, bringing an extended period of sun, warmth, and growing fire sensitivity in rural areas.
If you’re hoping for lasting rain, you’ll likely be waiting until next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa:
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 81°F, low 58°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, chance of storms early, high 81°F, low 62°F
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 85°F, low 63°F
- Thursday: Partly cloudy, high 88°F, low 66°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 88°F, low 68°F
