Des Moines, Iowa – Unseasonably hot temperatures will grip central Iowa this week, with highs in Des Moines climbing to 88°F by Wednesday—just ahead of a potential round of midweek thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service, Monday, May 12 will bring clear skies and a high near 86°F, with light southeast winds becoming calm into the evening. The warming trend continues through Wednesday, peaking at 88°F—well above seasonal averages—before a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms moves in by Wednesday night. The best chance for rain currently appears after sunset, with southeast winds between 6 to 8 mph.
Des Moines residents planning to commute along I-235 or travel through Polk County should prepare for dry, hot conditions through midweek. While Monday and Tuesday will remain sunny and dry, elevated temperatures and increasing humidity could bring discomfort, especially for those without access to air conditioning. Drink water frequently and avoid prolonged exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Looking ahead, Thursday stays warm but turns breezy, with gusts expected to pick up and temperatures remaining in the mid-80s. The weekend cools slightly, with highs near 78°F and sunny skies both Friday and Saturday.
While no active warnings are in place yet, residents should monitor updated forecasts and be prepared for potential thunderstorm watches or alerts Wednesday evening.
Stay weather-aware this week—another update is expected Tuesday as rain chances become clearer.
