Frost clings to rooftops across the Des Moines skyline this morning as Arctic air tightens its grip on central Iowa. The air feels dry and sharp — the kind that nips at your skin even before sunrise — signaling winter’s firm arrival for the first full week of December.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, temperatures will stay well below freezing through early week with a chance of light snow by Wednesday. Winds remain brisk from the north today, holding highs near 21°F, before easing late in the afternoon. Sunday night turns even colder, dipping to 6°F, as clear skies set the stage for a frigid Monday morning commute.
By Monday and Tuesday, conditions stay mostly calm but cold, with highs in the 30s to low 40s as southerly breezes return. The next system arrives Wednesday, when a weak disturbance may drop light snow across central Iowa, especially along I-80 and into Polk and Dallas counties. Drivers should watch for slick bridges and shaded roadways, where flash freezing can quickly develop after melting during the day.
The broader Midwest trend remains active: multiple clipper systems could swing through the Great Lakes and Upper Plains between December 11–17, bringing bursts of snow and reinforcing cold. Experts urge residents to bundle up, check tire pressure, and prepare for icy spots as early-season travel picks up ahead of the holidays.
Five-Day Outlook
Today: Mostly sunny, high 21°F.
Monday: Partly sunny, high 32°F.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 42°F.
Wednesday: Chance of snow, high 33°F.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 24°F.
