Iowa – Damp streets and low gray clouds greet central Iowa this morning as a mild January system rolls through. Rain arrives first, soaking roads and sidewalks, but colder air follows close behind. That shift raises concerns for slick travel later and a sharp turn toward winter conditions by the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, rain becomes widespread later today with temperatures climbing into the upper 40s. Winds increase from the north by afternoon, gusting near 20 mph at times. Expect reduced visibility and slick pavement along I-35, I-80, and surface roads during heavier rain.
As colder air pushes in tonight, rain may briefly mix with snow. Little accumulation is expected initially, but temperatures fall into the mid-30s, allowing wet pavement to cool quickly. Drivers heading out after dark should watch bridges and overpasses for early slick spots.
Friday stays cooler and quieter, with highs near 40 and only spotty precipitation. The colder trend deepens Friday night as lows drop near 29. By Saturday, winter reasserts itself. A slight chance of snow develops, with highs struggling into the mid-30s. Saturday night turns sharply colder, with lows dipping near 18.
Sunday brings bright skies but little warmth. Sunshine returns, yet highs only reach the low 30s. Any snow or meltwater from earlier may refreeze overnight, keeping isolated slick patches possible during early travel.
Looking ahead to next week, milder air returns gradually. Monday warms into the 40s under mostly sunny skies, though mornings remain cold.
Slow down on wet roads today, plan for colder mornings ahead, and prepare vehicles for winter driving this weekend. Noticing slick spots or flakes where you are? Share what conditions look like around Des Moines.
Five-Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
• Today: Rain likely, breezy, high near 47.
• Friday: Slight rain or snow chance, high near 40.
• Saturday: Slight chance of snow, colder, high near 34.
• Sunday: Sunny and cold, high near 31.
• Monday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 46.
