Des Moines, Iowa – A wave of strong thunderstorms is expected to move into central Iowa by midday Sunday, bringing gusty winds, rain-soaked roads, and potential travel delays on major routes like I-35 and I-80. The National Weather Service warns that storms could intensify in the early afternoon, producing wind gusts up to 40 mph across the Des Moines metro and surrounding counties.
According to the NWS Des Moines office, the highest storm activity Sunday will occur between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., particularly in Polk, Dallas, and Story counties. Some storms may linger into early evening, especially east of I-35. Wind gusts and heavy rainfall could impact local travel, especially near highway overpasses and low-lying streets. Rainfall totals may range from 0.5 to 1.25 inches in stronger cells.
Residents are urged to delay outdoor activities, secure lightweight items, and keep phones charged in case of brief power outages. The storm system will shift southeast by late Sunday, but isolated thunderstorms will remain possible on Tuesday and again Thursday.
This marks the beginning of a more active storm pattern for Iowa, with periodic storm chances continuing through midweek.
📆 Five-Day Weather Outlook (Des Moines, IA):
- Sunday (July 6): Showers & storms, high near 86°F. Winds north 6–8 mph.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 87°F. Calm and dry.
- Tuesday: 30% chance of storms after 1 p.m., high near 88°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 87°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, 30% chance of storms, high near 86°F.
