Des Moines, Iowa – Drivers across central Iowa should prepare for a wet midweek, as thunderstorms threaten to slow commutes and reduce visibility through Wednesday. Standing water could develop on major routes like Interstate 35, where rainfall may quickly pool during heavier bursts.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, scattered storms may develop late Tuesday into Wednesday, with stronger rounds possible through the weekend. While severe weather is not expected, weak funnel clouds remain possible today. Gusty winds and locally heavy downpours could make for challenging travel conditions.
Wednesday brings the highest chance for thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon. Any storm may produce downpours capable of reducing visibility to a few hundred feet. Residents should give themselves extra travel time and avoid flooded intersections.
Thursday appears wetter, with showers likely and isolated thunderstorms through the afternoon. Rainfall totals of up to half an inch are possible, especially in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties. Friday continues the unsettled pattern, with more showers and highs only in the upper 70s.
Spotters are not being activated, but reports of funnel clouds or localized flooding are encouraged to help forecasters track impacts.
Showers taper off by Saturday, though another round of thunderstorms could return by late evening. Conditions improve Sunday into Monday, with sunshine returning and highs in the lower 80s.
Five Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa:
- Wednesday: 40% chance of storms, high near 88. Low 64.
- Thursday: Showers likely, high near 85. Rainfall up to 0.5 inch.
- Friday: More storms possible, high near 78.
- Saturday: Chance of storms, high near 79. Evening showers possible.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 83.
