Iowa is digging out under bands of heavy February snow late this morning, with wind-driven flakes still blowing across Des Moines streets. Snow continues to fall and drift near Des Moines International Airport, where temperatures hover near 19 degrees and visibility has dropped at times in blowing snow.
Roads remain snow-covered across central Iowa.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, total snowfall between 5 and 9 inches is expected across central and northeast Iowa, with snow rates near one inch per hour earlier in the event and gusty winds creating drifting.
Travel on I-80, I-35, and I-235 is hazardous, especially on bridges and untreated ramps. The heaviest band set up from western into central Iowa, producing sharp snowfall gradients.
Plan extra time if you must drive this morning.
Conditions gradually improve into the afternoon as snow tapers and skies begin to clear. Highs reach near 27 degrees, but wind chills stay in the single digits. As skies clear tonight, temperatures drop near 14 degrees. Any melting today could refreeze after sunset, raising flash freeze concerns.
Saturday turns partly sunny with a high near 27. Saturday night falls to 12 under mostly clear skies. Sunday stays mostly sunny but cold, near 24, before another clear and frigid night near 4 degrees.
By Monday, sunshine continues with highs near 21, followed by a notable warmup. Temperatures climb into the 40s by midweek. The 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal readings and early hints of spring warmth returning to Iowa.
Five Day Outlook for Des Moines:
Saturday: Partly sunny, high 27.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 24.
Monday: Sunny, high 21.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 43.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 44.
