DES MOINES, Iowa – A calm, starry sky greets Iowa this morning as the region heads into one of its mildest stretches of November weather so far. After a frosty start to the week, southwesterly breezes are ushering in warmer air that will push temperatures into the 60s and even low 70s by Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, Thursday will bring mostly sunny skies and highs near 62°F, with light south winds around 8 mph. That warmth builds into Friday when readings could climb close to 70°F across Polk, Story, and Dallas Counties—roughly 15 degrees above normal for mid-November. It’s ideal weather for outdoor work, leaf cleanup, or travel along I-80 before conditions turn more unsettled next week.
By Saturday, skies remain partly sunny with highs in the upper 60s, though a few clouds will signal an approaching front. That boundary is expected to bring a noticeable temperature drop by Sunday and the potential for scattered rain showers late Sunday night into Monday. Models hint at a quick 20-degree swing, returning highs to the upper 40s early next week—an early sign of the season’s first “Winter Tease” as cooler air sinks across the Plains.
For now, Iowa enjoys several more days of tranquil, late-fall warmth before November’s next pattern change arrives. Residents planning early Thanksgiving travel should watch for early-week rain and falling temperatures.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
Thu: 62/41 – Mostly sunny; calm south breeze.
Fri: 68/53 – Sunny; unseasonably warm.
Sat: 67/39 – Partly sunny; turning breezy late.
Sun: 55/34 – Cooler; clouds increasing.
Mon: 48/33 – 40% chance of rain; early chill returns.
