Des Moines, Iowa – Drivers in central Iowa could face smoky skies and slippery roads Thursday night as showers and storms move in. Commuters on I-80 and I-35 should watch for reduced visibility and wet pavement into early Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, isolated storms may develop before 10 p.m., with scattered showers lingering until midnight. Gusts up to 28 mph could accompany the rain, while lingering smoke may keep visibility low across Polk and surrounding counties.
Friday brings a shift to clear skies and a high near 69 degrees. Northwest winds will hold steady but lighter, offering relief after Thursday’s unsettled conditions. Sunny, dry weather continues into the weekend, making Saturday and Sunday ideal for football games, tailgates, and outdoor plans. Highs will stay in the low 70s, with overnight lows dipping into the mid-40s.
Looking ahead, Monday and Tuesday climb back toward 80 degrees. Sunshine dominates early next week, though a gradual warm-up could signal a more summerlike feel by midweek.
Residents are advised to limit unnecessary travel Thursday night, charge electronic devices in case of outages, and avoid outdoor activity if sensitive to smoky air.
The weekend brings the kind of crisp, calm weather Iowans associate with early fall. Clear skies and mild afternoons will dominate after tonight’s brief disruption.
Warnings for storms and smoke remain in effect through early Friday, but conditions improve steadily as the weekend begins.
Five Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa
- Friday: Sunny, high near 69, low around 45.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 71, low around 44.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 72, low around 47.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 79, low around 59.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 83, low around 62.
