Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa moves into the Feb 5–9 stretch under a milder and mostly dry weather pattern, with temperatures trending above normal and limited chances for snow or rain statewide. The shift marks a noticeable change from recent colder periods, easing concerns for disruptive winter weather while bringing more seasonable-to-mild conditions across the region.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA outlooks, above-normal temperatures are expanding across much of the central Plains and Upper Midwest as colder air remains focused farther east. This pattern keeps Iowa on the warmer side of the temperature gradient, while storm systems track well north or south of the state, limiting precipitation potential.
In Des Moines, Ames, and surrounding central Iowa communities, daytime highs are expected to climb above early-February averages, with milder afternoons and cool but manageable mornings. Northern and eastern parts of the state will also trend warmer than normal, though brief temperature swings are still possible. Snow chances remain minimal, with no significant accumulation expected during the period.
The quieter pattern contrasts with the prolonged cold that has impacted parts of the eastern U.S. in recent weeks, where nearly 100 temperature-related deaths have been reported across southern states. While conditions in Iowa look less extreme, officials still urge residents to remain weather-aware and prepared for changing winter conditions.
Above-normal temperatures and limited precipitation are expected to persist through the stretch, with little indication of a return to active winter weather before the period ends.
