Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa is locking into a prolonged stretch of Arctic cold that will take hold from late January and linger into early February, with subzero wind chills and persistent freezing temperatures shaping daily life across the state. From the Capitol Complex in Des Moines to open farmland and rural highways, winter conditions are expected to remain harsh with little sign of relief before Valentine’s Day.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from January 23 through February 13 strongly favor below-normal readings across the Upper Midwest. Multiple outlook periods show repeated surges of Arctic air reinforcing the cold, keeping Iowa trapped in a deep winter pattern as February begins.
In Des Moines, daytime highs may struggle to climb out of the teens during the coldest stretches, while overnight lows frequently dip into the single digits or below zero. Gusty winds across open areas and along I-35 and I-80 will drive wind chills to dangerous levels, especially during early morning and overnight hours. Central Iowa communities such as Ames, Marshalltown, and Newton face similar conditions, with repeated hard freezes raising concerns for plumbing and vehicles.
Northern and western Iowa will likely see the harshest impacts. Sioux City, Fort Dodge, and Mason City can expect extended periods below zero, with wind chills plunging sharply across exposed rural roads and farmland. Eastern Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Dubuque, may see slightly higher daytime readings at times, but nighttime cold will remain intense, especially where snowpack limits warming.
The extended cold increases risks of frostbite and hypothermia in minutes during windy conditions. Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure, dress in insulated layers, protect exposed pipes, and bring pets indoors. Drivers should carry winter emergency kits, particularly when traveling rural highways or late at night.
While brief moderation may occur, longer-range signals suggest Iowa’s Arctic cold may not ease in a meaningful way until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories remain possible as this prolonged winter pattern continues statewide.
