DES MOINES, IA – The prairie sky glows clear and calm early this Monday morning, but don’t let the stillness fool you—winds will soon roar back across central Iowa as another strong system races through the Plains. By midweek, the warm gusts will be gone, replaced by chilly, calm air and a real shot at the season’s first frost.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, southerly winds will strengthen quickly today, gusting 30 to 35 mph by afternoon. Those winds, paired with sunshine, will lift highs near 68 °F before cooler air sweeps in from the northwest Monday night. The sharp wind shift may create blowing dust in rural areas along I-80 and Highway 30, so travelers should stay alert for reduced visibility at times.
Tuesday turns cooler and breezy with highs around 56 °F under partly sunny skies. Winds from the northwest could gust up to 40 mph at times, sending a chill across open fields. By Tuesday night, temperatures tumble into the upper 30s as skies clear—perfect setup for frost formation late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
Meteorologists expect areas of frost across much of central and southern Iowa by dawn Thursday, with patchy freezing temperatures possible in sheltered valleys and low-lying farmland. Sensitive vegetation, garden crops, and outdoor faucets should be protected as a First Fall Freeze looms on the horizon.
The end of the week looks quiet and seasonable, with sunshine and highs in the low 60s—ideal for fall harvest work and early Halloween preparations before another cooldown may arrive next weekend.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
Mon: 68/47 – Breezy; gusts to 35 mph, mild.
Tue: 56/38 – Partly sunny, windy; turning cooler.
Wed: 61/36 – Sunny, calm; frost late.
Thu: 64/42 – Areas of frost early; sunny and crisp.
Fri: 63/46 – Mostly sunny; pleasant fall day.
