DES MOINES, Iowa – Skies over Iowa could hold two surprises this week: thunderstorms on Tuesday and a chance to glimpse the Northern Lights tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, isolated showers continue overnight, but the main concern shifts to scattered thunderstorms Tuesday, especially in northern and western Iowa. Drivers along Interstate 35 should stay alert Tuesday morning, as storms could bring heavy rain and lightning during the commute. Severe weather is not expected, but travel delays remain possible.
Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that a powerful solar storm may spark rare aurora activity through Tuesday morning. If clouds break, residents across central Iowa, along with much of the Midwest, could see the Northern Lights flicker low on the horizon. Skies will clear Tuesday evening, offering the best chance to catch a view away from city lights.
Temperatures will hold near seasonal averages, with highs in the upper 70s Tuesday and dropping into the low 60s at night. Winds remain light, shifting from the east to southwest as the week progresses.
The remainder of the week trends calmer, with sunny skies dominating by midweek and a cool, dry air mass settling in for the weekend.
Warnings remain limited to thunder chances Tuesday, but more advisories could be issued if stronger storms develop. Residents are urged to monitor updates, avoid unnecessary travel during lightning, and step outside tonight for a rare celestial display.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa
- Tuesday: Showers early, then scattered thunderstorms. High near 79. Low 61.
- Wednesday: 50% chance of storms, mainly afternoon. High 72. Low 47.
- Thursday: Sunny and dry. High 69. Low 52.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High 73. Low 49.
- Saturday: Clear skies, cooler start. High 74. Low 47.
