Iowa greets the morning under a crystal-clear sky and a sharp 5-degree freeze across Des Moines. The air bites instantly. Wind chills hover near 9 below zero, making even short walks uncomfortable. Frost coats windshields, and untreated side streets remain slick where packed snow lingers. Bridges along I-80 and I-235 demand extra caution during the early commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, sunshine dominates today with highs reaching near 21 degrees. North-northwest winds ease through the afternoon, but pavement temperatures stay cold. As snow melts slightly in direct sun, refreeze becomes a concern again tonight when lows drop near 12 degrees.
A noticeable warm-up arrives Tuesday. Highs surge to around 42 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. South winds increase during the day, helping push out the Arctic air. That quick thaw may leave wet pavement by late afternoon.
Attention then turns to Wednesday. Highs settle near 35 degrees with a 30 percent chance of snow developing after midday. Wednesday night brings a 60 percent chance of snow, possibly mixed with rain before midnight, then changing back to snow. Temperatures fall into the lower 20s, creating a window for slushy buildup and slick spots by early Thursday.
Sunshine returns Thursday with highs near 38 degrees, followed by a jump into the mid-50s Friday. Early 6-to-10-day outlooks favor above-normal temperatures into early March, signaling growing spring warmth across central Iowa.
Five Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa:
Monday: Sunny, high 21.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 42.
Wednesday: Chance of snow, high 35.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 38.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high 54.
