Des Moines, IA – As Iowa heads into Black Friday weekend, state weather officials are urging Des Moines homeowners to complete winter preparations before another round of freezing nighttime temperatures arrives across Polk County and central Iowa.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), La Niña conditions may bring sharper and more frequent temperature swings to Iowa this season. These fluctuations—moving from mild daytime highs to sudden overnight freezes—can increase the risk of burst pipes, roof ice, and heating system strain across Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids, and other areas. Forecasts show nighttime lows dipping into the upper teens and low 20s late Friday into early Saturday.
Home maintenance experts recommend focusing on critical winterization tasks this week. That includes insulating exposed pipes, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, and garages typical of Iowa homes. Clearing gutters and downspouts is also essential to prevent ice dams, which can form when meltwater refreezes during early-winter cold snaps.
Energy specialists urge residents to seal drafty windows and doors, check attic insulation levels, and test furnace systems before colder December temperatures settle in. Fire officials also stress the importance of testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, noting that heating-related incidents often rise statewide immediately after Thanksgiving.
Emergency management agencies advise checking on elderly or homebound neighbors who may need help completing winter prep before temperatures fall through the holiday weekend.
