DES MOINES, Iowa – Central Iowa is in for a major weather shift as breezy and mild midweek conditions give way to the first arctic blast of the season this weekend. According to KCCI’s Storm Team, temperatures will tumble sharply with strong winds, hard freezes, and windchills plunging into the teens by Sunday morning.
Breezy Midweek Before the Cold Arrives
The week began with mild, pleasant weather, but a cold front moving across the state will bring noticeable change. Overnight, northwest winds will take over, keeping Wednesday’s highs in the 50s across much of central and western Iowa.
Forecasters say Wednesday will remain mostly sunny and dry, with light south-southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph shifting northwest later in the day. By Wednesday night, skies will be clear to partly cloudy, with lows dipping to around 45°F as winds calm to 5–10 mph.
Clouds Move In Thursday, Showers Possible
Thursday will start sunny but clouds will increase later in the day, especially east of Interstate 35, where a few light showers could develop by Thursday night. Despite the clouds, temperatures will still be mild, with highs in the upper 50s to near 60°F.
“We’re looking at a breezy end to the week before the real cold arrives,” said meteorologist Jason Sydejko of KCCI. “By Saturday night into Sunday, conditions will take a dramatic turn toward winter-like cold.”
Weekend Arctic Blast to Bring Hard Freezes
By Saturday, the next weather system will move in, bringing rain during the day followed by a sharp temperature drop overnight. As the front passes, strong winds from the northwest will accelerate, pushing windchills down into the 20s and teens by early Sunday morning.
The cold air mass will settle over Iowa through the weekend, leading to hard freezes Saturday and Sunday nights that could end the growing season across much of the state. Residents are urged to protect outdoor plants and prepare for icy morning conditions.
Looking Ahead: Cold Lingers, Then a Gradual Rebound
The chill will continue into Monday, with highs likely struggling to reach the 40s. However, forecasters expect a gradual rebound as the week progresses, with temperatures climbing back toward seasonal norms by midweek.
Meteorologists note that this arctic front is typical for early November, marking the transition to winter patterns in the Midwest.
Stay Weather-Ready Across Iowa
Those planning outdoor activities this weekend should brace for strong winds, freezing temperatures, and potential slick roads during overnight hours. KCCI’s interactive radar and statewide skycams will continue to monitor developing conditions, providing live updates from more than 20 locations across Iowa.
Stay tuned for the latest weather alerts and updates as Iowa heads into its first true taste of winter.
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