Iowa wakes to a hard, silent cold that rattles windows and stiffens doors. The air burns exposed skin, engines groan to life, and pavement feels slick even where snow is absent.
Central Iowa remains locked in dangerous winter conditions early this morning. According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, temperatures sit near 2 degrees, with wind chills plunging to around 25 below zero. These conditions pose a serious risk for frostbite with prolonged exposure and make even short trips outside hazardous.
In Des Moines, northwest winds continue to push bitter air across the metro. Travel along I-235, I-80, and I-35 remains risky due to lingering ice and refreezing. Even roads that look dry may hide thin ice, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers should slow down and allow extra stopping distance.
Snow chances increase later tonight into Sunday morning. The National Weather Service indicates a 30 to 40 percent chance of snow, with light accumulations expected. Most areas see less than a half inch, but any snowfall will quickly turn slick given the frozen ground. Visibility may drop briefly during snow showers.
Sunday brings a noticeable temperature rebound. Highs climb into the mid-30s, helping improve road conditions during the day. That warmth is short-lived. Once the sun sets, temperatures fall quickly, raising the risk of flash freezing as melted snow refreezes.
Monday and Tuesday continue the unsettled pattern. Highs remain in the low to mid-30s, with partly sunny skies and quieter travel periods. By midweek, colder air returns, keeping winter firmly in place across Iowa as February unfolds.
Looking deeper into the first week of February, precipitation chances trend lower, but temperature swings remain sharp. Cold mornings followed by brief thaws keep ice a daily concern.
How cold did it feel stepping outside in your neighborhood this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Des Moines, IA
• Today: Sunny, dangerously cold; highs near 23
• Sunday: Chance snow, then mostly cloudy; highs near 36
• Monday: Partly sunny; highs near 35
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, colder; highs near 31
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny; highs near 30
