Des Moines, Iowa – Cold air grips central Iowa early this morning, pressing against windows and leaving parked cars coated in frost. Breath hangs in the air as the day begins under stubborn winter control.
Temperatures sit near 12 degrees in Des Moines, with wind chills dipping close to zero. According to the National Weather Service, the cold remains steady today, limiting daytime melting and raising the risk of slick pavement once temperatures dip again tonight.
Clouds dominate the sky today, keeping highs near 19 degrees. Winds remain light, but the cold air feels sharp. Roads appear dry in spots, yet shaded areas and bridges may hide thin ice. Drivers should stay alert on I-235, I-80, and surface streets during early travel.
Friday brings brighter skies but little warmth. Afternoon highs stall near 15 degrees, followed by another frigid night with lows near 1 degree. Any moisture on roads refreezes quickly after sunset, a classic setup for flash freezing this time of year.
Saturday offers sunshine and a modest bump in temperatures, reaching the lower 20s. The break feels brief. Clouds increase Saturday night as a weak system approaches. By Sunday, snow chances rise to around 50 percent, with temperatures climbing near 32 degrees. Light snow could turn slushy during the day, then refreeze after dark as colder air returns.
Meteorologists continue tracking a larger winter pattern stretching from the Plains into the Midwest. With deep cold locked in north of Iowa, small systems can still create outsized travel impacts.
Plan extra time if traveling late weekend. Keep winter gear in vehicles and watch for changing road conditions by Sunday.
Five Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
- Today: Mostly cloudy, cold, high near 19°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 15°F
- Saturday: Sunny, cold, high near 22°F
- Sunday: Chance of snow, milder, high near 32°F
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 33°F
