DES MOINES, Iowa – A thin veil of fog drapes across central Iowa this morning, softening headlights and glinting under frost-covered trees. It’s a cold and still start to the day, with some rural valleys east of Interstate 35 dipping near freezing — a final reminder that fall is giving way to the season’s early chill.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for much of central Iowa, including Polk, Boone, and Story Counties. Areas of dense fog could linger through sunrise, creating patchy freezing spots on bridges and low-lying roads. Motorists are advised to slow down and keep extra distance, particularly along I-35 and Highway 30 corridors. Conditions will rapidly improve after 8 a.m. as sunlight cuts through the haze.
By this afternoon, temperatures will rebound into the low 50s under mostly sunny skies. The gradual warm-up continues Monday and Tuesday, with highs climbing into the 60s as light south winds return. It’s a great stretch for outdoor cleanup, early decorating, or travel prep before mid-November’s pattern shift brings a chance for colder air and possible light rain or snow later in the month.
NOAA’s latest La Niña Advisory notes the pattern will likely persist into winter, often linked with Midwest temperature swings — mild periods followed by quick cold snaps. For now, Iowans can expect several quiet, bright days — crisp mornings, gentle afternoons, and a brief reprieve before the next seasonal shift.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
Sun: 53/38 – Patchy fog early; sunny afternoon.
Mon: 61/44 – Sunny; calm winds.
Tue: 67/44 – Mild; mostly clear skies.
Wed: 61/39 – Partly sunny; dry and cool.
Thu: 64/45 – Mostly sunny; seasonal warmth continues.
