DES MOINES, Iowa – A soft golden haze stretches over the Des Moines skyline this morning — the kind that signals calm before change. By Friday, Iowa’s late-fall weather will feel almost springlike, but a cooler, breezier pattern builds quickly through the weekend, hinting at an early taste of frost by next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, Friday brings sunshine and lighter winds, with highs near 69°F — a full ten degrees above average for mid-November. South winds will pick up slightly during the afternoon, giving the day a mild, comfortable feel ideal for travel, outdoor work, or late-season yard cleanup.
Saturday keeps the warmth going early, with highs near 66°F before clouds drift in from the west. Gusts could reach 20 mph across Polk and Story counties, signaling a weak cold front moving through by evening. Sunday will feel noticeably cooler, topping out near 55°F with a crisp breeze and clear skies returning by nightfall.
Early next week looks brisk, with lows dipping into the mid-30s and highs struggling to reach the upper 40s. Frost will be possible in rural and low-lying areas by Monday morning — a sign that Iowa’s warm spell is about to end.
For now, enjoy the mild weather while it lasts. After all, mid-November warmth rarely lingers in the Midwest, and models hint at colder air sweeping southward before Thanksgiving, possibly setting up the region’s next winter tease.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
Fri: 69/54 – Mostly sunny; breezy south winds 10 mph.
Sat: 66/36 – Mostly sunny; cooler late, gusts near 20 mph.
Sun: 55/36 – Sunny; crisp breeze.
Mon: 51/34 – Partly cloudy; early frost risk.
Tue: 47/33 – Cooler trend continues; cloudy late.
