Iowa opens the New Year under a steel-gray sky, with cold air biting fingers and exhaust hanging low over quiet streets. Pavement feels dry for now, but the pattern shifts later today, especially south of the metro.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, temperatures hover in the low 20s this morning and rise only into the upper 20s this afternoon. Cloud cover dominates. A wintry mix is possible later today and this evening across far southern Iowa, mainly west of Interstate 35, where light icing could develop.
Across central Iowa, including Des Moines, impacts stay limited but worth watching. Roads in the metro remain mostly dry, though cold pavement allows any stray moisture to freeze quickly. Drivers heading south toward Creston, Winterset, or Osceola may encounter slick patches late today if freezing drizzle develops.
Tonight stays cold, with lows near the lower 20s. Saturday brings a noticeable improvement. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the mid-30s, helping melt any leftover ice south of the city. Travel conditions improve steadily through the afternoon.
Sunday continues the warming trend. Clouds increase, winds pick up slightly, and highs approach 40 degrees. That warmth feels welcome, but it also sets up a classic January transition. Any melting during the day could refreeze after dark where temperatures dip back toward freezing.
Early next week turns mild by winter standards. Monday reaches near 50 degrees with sunshine, and Tuesday stays in the low 50s. That warm-to-cold cycle increases the risk of overnight slick spots even as daytime conditions improve.
For now, plan cautiously if traveling south of Des Moines later today. Slow down on rural roads, watch bridges, and stay alert as temperatures hover near freezing.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Des Moines, IA
- Today: Cloudy, high near 28
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 34
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 39
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 50
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 51
