Iowa – Damp pavement and muted gray skies set the tone this morning across central Iowa, a quiet setup that can turn hazardous fast. As temperatures slide this evening, lingering moisture may freeze on contact, creating sudden slick spots just as New Year’s travel ramps up.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, freezing drizzle is possible late tonight into early New Year’s morning across northern and central Iowa. Light snow may follow from west to east, though accumulations remain minimal. Even so, untreated roads and bridges could become icy in a short time.
Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, and surrounding communities face the highest risk for patchy ice overnight. Interstates including I-80 and I-35 may appear merely wet at first, then glaze over as temperatures dip into the teens. Visibility should remain fair, but traction could drop quickly.
This setup favors flash freezing. Any drizzle or melting from earlier today may refreeze, especially on ramps, overpasses, and residential streets. Drivers heading out late should slow down and allow extra distance.
New Year’s Day 2026 turns calmer and colder. Skies trend mostly sunny, but highs struggle to reach the upper 20s. Morning travel may still be slick in spots before gradual improvement by afternoon.
By Friday, central Iowa stays dry with highs near 30. The first weekend of 2026 brings a modest warm-up. Sunshine returns Saturday with highs in the low 30s, climbing into the 40s by Sunday. Even so, cold nights mean refreezing remains possible after dark.
Plan ahead if traveling tonight. Reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and check road conditions before heading out. Keeping a winter kit in the car remains a smart move.
Are you seeing icy patches where you live? Share what conditions look like around central Iowa.
Five Day Outlook for Des Moines, Iowa
• Today: Partly sunny, high near 44
• Tonight: Mostly cloudy, freezing drizzle possible, low near 15
• New Year’s Day: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 28
• Friday: Partly sunny, high near 30
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 33
