Des Moines, IA – Iowa residents should prepare for a turbulent Saturday as severe thunderstorms, high winds, and a heightened fire risk take hold across the state. The National Weather Service has issued both a Red Flag Warning and a Wind Advisory, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph expected in Des Moines and surrounding areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, the Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, with the Wind Advisory lasting until 10 p.m.. Warm temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds create an elevated fire danger, making outdoor burning highly discouraged. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly due to gusty conditions.
What to Expect This Weekend:
• Saturday: A mix of rain and thunderstorms, some potentially severe, with wind gusts up to 50 mph. High near 47°F.
• Saturday Night: Rain may transition to snow late, with low temperatures around 28°F. Winds shifting northwest at 25 mph.
• Sunday: A cool but calmer day, mostly sunny with a high of 51°F.
• Monday: Sunny and warming up to 72°F, offering a break from the storms.
• Tuesday: Another chance of rain, with highs near 76°F.
Travelers along I-80 and I-35 should use caution, as strong crosswinds could make driving hazardous. Power outages and fallen tree limbs are possible. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor objects and stay weather-aware throughout the weekend.
