Iowa skies look bright and calm at first glance, but the wind tells a different story across Des Moines this morning. By midmorning, west winds increase to 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. Temperatures surge toward 65 degrees, well above normal for mid-February.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. for all of central Iowa. Humidity levels fall between 12 and 22 percent. That dry air, combined with strong wind, creates critical fire weather conditions. Any spark could spread rapidly.
Avoid outdoor burning today. Secure loose items around homes and businesses. Drivers along I-80 and I-35 should expect crosswinds, especially in open areas.
Clouds increase tonight with lows dropping to 35. Winds gradually ease. Changes arrive quickly Thursday. Rain chances rise to 50 percent during the day as highs fall to 52.
By Thursday night, colder air wraps in. Rain becomes likely and may change to snow after 4 p.m. into the evening. Temperatures tumble to 24 degrees. Even light snow could create slick roads early Friday, especially if melting refreezes. This is prime flash-freeze season across Iowa.
Friday turns mostly sunny but colder, with highs near 35. Saturday brings a slight chance of snow and a high near 33. Sunday stays sunny but brisk, with highs near 31.
Early next week remains chilly, with highs in the lower 30s Monday. However, the 6–10 day outlook hints at a warming trend returning late next week. Spring warmth may gradually build across the Plains.
Are winds whipping through your neighborhood in Des Moines? Let us know what conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa:
Today: High 65, sunny and very windy, Red Flag Warning
Thursday: High 52, chance of rain
Friday: High 35, mostly sunny
Saturday: High 33, slight chance of snow
Sunday: High 31, sunny
