Iowa wakes up under calm skies, but the stillness won’t last long. By mid-morning, strong winds surge across central Iowa, rattling windows, bending trees, and creating difficult travel conditions as winter patterns intensify.
According to the National Weather Service, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday for Des Moines and much of western and central Iowa. West winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts reaching 50 mph during peak periods. These winds arrive as temperatures hover near freezing, adding a raw winter edge to outdoor conditions.
Travel impacts could develop quickly. High-profile vehicles may struggle on open stretches of I-80, I-35, and I-235, especially during late morning and afternoon hours. Sudden crosswinds can push vehicles across lanes with little warning. Drivers should slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and allow extra following distance.
Strong gusts may also blow around unsecured objects. Holiday decorations, trash bins, and lightweight furniture can become hazards. Tree limbs could snap, and isolated power outages are possible if lines are damaged. Residents are urged to secure loose items early today.
Precipitation chances remain limited locally, but colder air follows the wind surge. Thursday night turns sharply colder, with lows near 13 degrees. Any moisture left on roads may freeze quickly, raising a black ice concern before Friday morning.
Friday brings calmer conditions and sunshine, though it stays cold, with highs near 35 degrees. This quieter stretch sets up a better window for travel before the Christmas travel weekend. Saturday and Sunday trend partly sunny, though chilly mornings continue.
Five-Day Outlook for Des Moines
- Today: Mostly sunny, increasing winds, high near 44
- Thursday: Very windy, colder late, high near 41
- Friday: Sunny, cold, high near 35
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 42
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 35
