Des Moines, IA — This weekend will bring major temperature swings to Iowa, with highs reaching the mid-80s today, before plunging into the 50s by Monday. A cold front is pushing across the state tonight, setting the stage for a significantly cooler weekend and frost concerns early next week.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service, central and southern Iowa will experience near-record highs today, with temperatures peaking between 75 to 85 degrees. Residents in far southern areas may see temperatures climb into the low 80s again Saturday before cooler air takes over. By Sunday, highs will fall to the upper 50s, and frost is expected Monday night as lows dip into the 30s. Areas north of I-80 should brace for frost early Monday morning, with freezing conditions possible.
Motorists traveling on I-80 or other major roadways should prepare for gusty northwest winds on Sunday. Breezy conditions could reduce visibility and make driving difficult. By Monday, the wind will calm, but areas across northern Iowa are forecast to see the first freeze of the season.
Colder temperatures are expected to persist through next week, so take precautions now. Cover sensitive plants, and ensure outdoor pipes are properly insulated. Prepare for potential frost as temperatures could fall as low as 27 degrees Monday night.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to improve midweek with sunny skies and highs climbing back into the 60s by Wednesday.
