Des Moines, Iowa – Thunderstorms could disrupt Tuesday afternoon plans in central Iowa as a 50% chance of rain develops after 1 p.m., prompting a summer weather alert for Des Moines commuters. Drivers on I-235 and local routes should stay weather-aware through the evening, as sudden downpours and lightning are possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected Tuesday afternoon, with light winds becoming northwesterly near 5 mph. New rainfall could reach half an inch, especially under heavier storms.
Skies will clear Tuesday night with calm winds and a low near 66°F, offering brief relief before a sunny and warmer Wednesday returns. Highs on Wednesday will climb to 87°F under clear skies, continuing Iowa’s stretch of humid summer heat.
A slight chance of new storms arrives late Thursday into early Friday, with a 20% chance of showers after 1 a.m. Friday brings another 50% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Conditions stay mostly dry for the weekend.
Here’s the full five-day forecast for Des Moines:
- Tuesday (Jul 8): Chance of storms after 1 p.m. | High: 84°F | Rain up to 0.5″
- Wednesday: Sunny, hot | High: 87°F | Low: 67°F
- Thursday: Slight chance of p.m. storms | High: 85°F | Low: 69°F
- Friday: 50% chance of storms after 1 p.m. | High: 85°F | Low: 64°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny | High: 81°F | Pleasant start to the weekend
