Des Moines, Iowa – Bright sunshine is winning the battle across central Iowa this morning, but dark clouds are already lining up to change the story later today.
By this afternoon and evening, a much wetter pattern arrives across Des Moines and much of central Iowa. Drivers heading home late Sunday could encounter wet pavement, reduced visibility, and pockets of standing water as thunderstorms become more widespread.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, showers and thunderstorms will increase through the day, with rain chances reaching 80 percent. Some storms may produce heavy rainfall, and forecast totals of 1 to 2 inches are possible in parts of the metro. Wind gusts could approach 28 mph within stronger storms.
The developing setup matches a broader Midwest weather pattern that meteorologists are tracking closely. A storm system lifting out of the Plains is expected to spread heavy rain eastward into Iowa. While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, a few storms could produce brief gusty winds. Localized ponding on roads remains a concern where heavier rain falls repeatedly.
Motorists on Interstate 35, Interstate 80, Highway 69, and Highway 65 should allow extra travel time Sunday afternoon and evening. Water can collect quickly in low-lying spots and urban drainage areas.
For now, Monday looks much calmer. Skies gradually improve, and temperatures rebound into the upper 70s. Sunshine returns for much of Tuesday and Wednesday before another chance for thunderstorms arrives later in the week.
Looking farther ahead, signs continue pointing toward above-normal temperatures developing across Iowa late next week, bringing a stronger taste of summer after this brief wet stretch.
Five Day Forecast for Des Moines, Iowa
- Sunday: Heavy rain and thunderstorms likely, high 70°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 77°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 80°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 79°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 80°F.
