Des Moines will see a sharp swing from summer-like heat to storm chances this weekend as September weather patterns intensify. Residents should prepare for soaring daytime highs near 96°F Saturday, followed by possible thunderstorms creeping into central Iowa by late Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, Friday will stay mostly sunny with a high near 92°F and gusts up to 21 mph. Roads such as Interstate 35 could become slick late Sunday into early Monday as scattered showers and thunderstorms develop after 1 a.m. Authorities recommend caution for overnight drivers and advise avoiding unnecessary travel during storm periods.
The weekend starts bright, with Friday and Saturday offering abundant sun and highs in the 90s. Saturday could mark the peak of this heat wave, topping out around 96°F before clouds increase Sunday. Humidity will also rise, making conditions uncomfortable for outdoor events. By Sunday afternoon, skies turn partly sunny, but the real concern arrives overnight when storms could bring localized flooding and dangerous lightning.
Early next week brings a gradual cooldown. Monday stays hot at 90°F, but by Tuesday night lows dip into the upper 60s. Wednesday offers some relief with a high near 88°F and another 30% chance of showers.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, hydrate during the heat, and secure outdoor items before storm chances increase Sunday night. More advisories may follow as conditions evolve.
Five Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 92°F. Wind gusts up to 21 mph.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 96°F. Night low around 72°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 92°F. Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1 a.m.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 90°F. Night low around 68°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 91°F. Night low around 67°F.
