DES MOINES, Iowa – A sharp northwest wind sweeps across the plains this morning, sending light flurries swirling over frozen fields and city streets. The first strong Winter Cold Snap of the season has locked in across central Iowa, bringing biting wind chills and the season’s earliest snow dustings along I-80 and Highway 30.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, light snow will continue across northern and central Iowa early today before tapering off. Though most areas will see little to no accumulation, slick spots may develop on untreated bridges and rural roads as temperatures dip into the 20s. Winds gusting up to 30 mph will make it feel closer to the teens at times.
Residents should dress in layers, limit extended outdoor activity, and secure any loose decorations or trash bins ahead of gusty afternoon winds. By Monday, calmer conditions return with bright sunshine, though morning lows will still hover near freezing.
Looking toward Veterans Day, skies clear and a slow warm-up begins, pushing highs into the 50s by midweek. It’ll feel more like late fall again—ideal for outdoor ceremonies, leaf cleanup, or early holiday travel prep. Longer-range models hint at another November chill next weekend, possibly paired with a brief flurry chance in northern counties.
For now, Iowa settles into its seasonal rhythm—one cold front down, and plenty more to come before Thanksgiving.
Five-Day Forecast for Des Moines, IA:
Mon: 37/26 – Sunny and calm; cold morning start.
Tue: 56/37 – Mostly sunny; gradual warm-up.
Wed: 56/34 – Bright and breezy; pleasant late-fall feel.
Thu: 61/33 – Mild and mostly sunny.
Fri: 57/35 – Cooler breeze; light flurry chance north.
