Des Moines, Iowa – Air quality is taking a hit across Iowa this week as wildfire smoke blankets the state and storm chances return Thursday. The Iowa DNR has issued an Air Quality Alert through 6 a.m. Thursday, warning that smoke from Canadian wildfires is pushing particle pollution to unhealthy levels for vulnerable groups.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, those with asthma, heart or lung conditions, or the elderly should limit outdoor activity, especially near busy roadways like I-35 and I-80. Children and outdoor workers are also at risk. The DNR urges residents to take frequent breaks and avoid strenuous activity until the air improves.
Beyond the smoke, isolated thunderstorms are possible Thursday afternoon into Friday. Rain chances return Thursday between 1 and 4 p.m., with a slight chance of stronger storms after 7 p.m. Friday night. Storms could bring brief downpours, though totals are expected to be light. No hazardous weather is expected overnight Wednesday, but the active pattern continues into the weekend.
Here’s your extended Iowa weather outlook:
- Wednesday, June 4: Mostly sunny, high 77°F
- Thursday, June 5: Partly sunny, high 76°F; chance of afternoon showers
- Friday, June 6: 30% chance of rain/storms midday and after 7 p.m., high 75°F
- Saturday, June 7: Mostly sunny, high 78°F
- Sunday, June 8: Mostly sunny, slight chance of storms late, high 81°F
- Monday, June 9: Sunny, high near 82°F
