Des Moines, Iowa – A hot and breezy week is taking shape across central Iowa starting Sunday, bringing elevated fire danger and rapid drying conditions through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, Sunday will be sunny with a high near 82°F and light southeast winds around 6 mph. By Wednesday, temperatures will push toward 87°F, with breezy south winds expected to increase fire danger across open fields and dry grassy areas.
Drivers on I-235 and commuters across Polk County should expect full sun and warm temperatures to dominate daytime hours. Outdoor burn bans may be considered midweek if drying continues, and residents are urged to avoid open flames or sparks near dry vegetation. Overnight lows will stay mild—mostly in the 50s—offering little nighttime relief from the early summer heat.
Monday and Tuesday mirror Sunday’s pattern, with sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s. Winds will pick up speed Tuesday into Wednesday, creating breezy conditions especially in open rural areas. Though a 30% chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms moves in late Wednesday night, most of the week will stay dry and clear.
This stretch marks one of the warmest periods so far this spring for Des Moines and surrounding counties, coming after a relatively mild start to May.
Temperatures will cool slightly by Friday, but residents should plan for continued dry and breezy conditions through at least midweek.
