Des Moines, Iowa – Heavy rain continues across central Iowa Thursday morning, raising flood concerns and disrupting commutes across Des Moines and beyond.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Flood Watch remains in effect until noon Thursday, July 31st, with 1–3 inches of additional rainfall expected — and localized amounts up to 5 inches possible. Thunderstorms could lead to rapid runoff, causing creeks and low-lying roads like I-35, Fleur Drive, and portions of University Avenue to flood quickly. Urban areas of Polk, Story, and Jasper Counties face the highest risk of ponding.
Motorists are urged to avoid driving through water-covered roadways and monitor river gauges, especially near the Raccoon River, which could rise toward flood stage by early Friday.
Clouds and showers may taper off Thursday afternoon, with clearing expected into the evening. High temperatures will struggle to reach the mid-70s due to lingering cloud cover.
The weekend brings a summer rebound: mostly sunny skies return by Friday, with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s continuing into next week. Another round of thunderstorms is possible Sunday night into Monday, with gusty winds and brief downpours.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines (July 31–August 5)
- Thursday: Showers, thunderstorms before 1 p.m. High 76°F. Flash flooding possible.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 77°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 77°F.
- Sunday: 30% chance of storms Sunday night. High near 82°F.
- Monday: Partly sunny, isolated storms. High 79°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 83°F.
