Des Moines, IA – Travelers heading out for the Thanksgiving holiday should plan for changing conditions across Iowa this week, including morning fog, cooler temperatures, brisk winds, and a chance for light snow by Friday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Des Moines office.
According to forecasters, Tuesday begins with areas of patchy dense fog, especially during the early morning commute. The fog may reduce visibility and could linger in some northern areas before winds increase late in the day. Scattered showers are possible north of Interstate 80 during the afternoon.
A colder and windier pattern sets in late Tuesday into Wednesday, with west to northwest winds expected to become strong at times. Wednesday will be noticeably cooler with highs in the 30s to low 40s, along with periods of sunshine. Travelers should anticipate crosswinds on east–west highways.
Thanksgiving Day looks seasonably cool but pleasant, with ample sunshine and afternoon temperatures remaining in the upper 30s to mid-40s. Winds will be lighter, making for more comfortable outdoor gatherings and travel conditions.
For those returning home at the end of the week, the weather becomes more unsettled. A weak system approaches Friday into Saturday, bringing the potential for light accumulating snow across parts of Iowa. Forecasters note that precipitation may mix with rain at times, depending on temperatures. Any snow accumulation appears light but may still affect rural roads and early-morning travel.
The NWS encourages travelers to keep a close eye on the latest forecast updates as timing details and precipitation type could shift.
