Iowa — The quiet chill of early morning stretches across the heart of Iowa, with calm skies hinting at the calm before a shift. The sun will dominate through Sunday, bringing a pleasant stretch of late-fall warmth, but a round of rain Monday signals change as Thanksgiving week travel ramps up.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines reports sunny skies and highs near 60°F today, climbing into the upper 50s Sunday under continued fair weather. Winds will remain light through the weekend, making this an ideal stretch for outdoor plans, early decorating, or pre-travel errands.
By Monday, conditions change quickly. Clouds will thicken, and rain is expected by afternoon, lasting into early Tuesday. The chance of rain rises to 80%, with the heaviest showers expected during the evening commute and along Interstate 80. Temperatures will drop sharply after the system passes, leading to highs in the upper 30s and lows in the 20s by Wednesday.
This transition marks an early sign of the winter pattern setting in across the Midwest. While Iowa won’t see snow yet, colder air arriving midweek could bring frost and icy patches to northern counties just as Thanksgiving travel peaks nationwide.
Five-Day Outlook (Des Moines, IA):
- Today: Sunny, high 61°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 58°F.
- Monday: Rain likely, high 55°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 52°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high 39°F.
