Des Moines, Iowa – Patchy smoke and warming temperatures are expected to dominate Iowa skies Friday, August 1, as summer conditions return to central Iowa. Des Moines will reach a high near 77°F under hazy conditions that could reduce visibility and air quality.
According to the National Weather Service, lingering smoke from western wildfires will persist across the region Friday through Saturday morning. Light northeast winds and a slow-moving air mass are contributing to stagnant conditions. Visibility could drop below 5 miles at times, particularly along I-235 and near the Des Moines River corridor. Residents with respiratory conditions should limit time outdoors and keep windows closed.
While skies will become partly cloudy Friday night, temperatures will stay mild with lows near 57°F. Saturday looks warmer, with Des Moines climbing to 77°F under mostly sunny skies, setting the stage for a hotter Sunday near 78°F. Winds will remain light but shift southeast by Sunday evening, drawing in more humid air.
By early next week, highs will rise sharply into the 80s, peaking around 87°F by Wednesday, August 6. No major rain is in sight, but the combination of rising heat and lingering smoke could lead to continued air quality concerns.
⚠️ Patchy smoke remains the main weather hazard Friday into Saturday morning, with heat and humidity building through next week.
🔎 Five-Day Des Moines Forecast: August 1–6
- Friday, August 1: High 77°F, patchy smoke, calm winds
- Saturday, August 2: Mostly sunny, high 77°F, low 56°F
- Sunday, August 3: Mostly sunny, high 78°F, low 60°F
- Monday, August 4: Partly cloudy, high 82°F, low 66°F
- Tuesday, August 5: Sunny, high 83°F, low 68°F
- Wednesday, August 6: Sunny and warmer, high near 87°F
