Des Moines, Iowa – Drivers across Iowa should prepare for a hot Monday with 90-degree highs before storms threaten to snarl travel midweek. Power outages, slick roads, and traffic delays on major corridors like I-35 and I-80 could become a reality by Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, Monday will start mostly clear before temperatures climb near 90 degrees. Winds remain light, but increasing humidity will fuel storm development beginning late Tuesday, with scattered thunderstorms expected to continue through Wednesday night.
Residents in Des Moines and surrounding suburbs, including Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Urbandale, should plan for potential heavy rain and lightning during the Wednesday morning commute. Rural counties to the south may also see localized flooding in low-lying areas. Emergency officials recommend avoiding non-essential travel during peak storm hours and keeping cell phones charged in case of power outages.
While Monday remains hot and dry, forecasters caution against letting the brief lull in weather activity create a false sense of security. The transition into midweek will bring the strongest storm chances, with up to a 50% risk of rainfall by Wednesday night.
By Thursday, temperatures dip into the low 80s with additional scattered showers. Friday and Saturday look calmer, with highs near 79 and dry skies setting the stage for a more seasonable fall weekend.
Warnings remain possible if storm tracks intensify. Residents are urged to monitor updates through local outlets and the National Weather Service.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa
- Monday: High 90, decreasing clouds. Low 67.
- Tuesday: High 90, slight chance storms. Low 66.
- Wednesday: High 85, 40% chance storms. Low 63.
- Thursday: High 82, chance showers. Low 60.
- Friday: High 79, mostly sunny. Low 57.
