textproduct: Des Moines

KEY MESSAGES

- Cooler weather continues through the weekend, with highs in the upper 30s to 40s and lows in the upper teens to 20s, while remaining dry.

- Gradual warming with dry conditions are expected through the first half of the upcoming work week through the 50s, followed with returning chances for precipitation late Wednesday or Thursday.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/

Issued at 1043 PM CST Thu Nov 12 2026

The region continues to be situated under northerly flow aloft as troughing sticks around over eastern CONUS. Northerly surface winds have ushered in cold air allowing for temperatures to drop. Lows Friday morning will cool down to the low 20s in the north to mid 20s in the south. On Friday, the upper level trough begins to push off the east coast allowing for a ridge to settle over much of central CONUS. At the same time, surface Canadian high pressure will begin to descend into the Upper Midwest allowing for clearing skies, drier conditions, calm winds, and cooler temperatures to stick around for the weekend. Friday temperatures will be a tad cooler than Thursdays with highs in the low 40s.

As we go into the weekend, we can expect more of the same. Clear skies under high pressure will allow for nights with excellent radiational cooling. Chilly morning temperatures on both Saturday and Sunday can be expected. Lows will generally be in the upper teens in the northern portions of the state with the southern half seeing low 20s. Highs this weekend will continue to stick around the mid 40s.

LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/

Issued at 218 PM CST Thu Nov 12 2026

The weather pattern through the upcoming early to mid work week favors a continued dry trend as the upper ridge moves over the Central US, and a gradual return to above average temperatures as values increase into the upper 40s to low 50s Monday, and in the mid to upper 50s Tuesday and Wednesday as surface winds remain generally out of the south. A shift back to larger-scale troughing returns through Wednesday over the western CONUS, with a mid-level shortwave and associated surface low lifting northeast across the Four Corners region through the Dakotas per long range guidance, leading to a return of moisture and forcing near or in Iowa that indicates the next potential for precipitation. With this being several days out though, slight changes in track and strength are certainly possible, so will have to watch trends through the next several forecast updates.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1134 PM CST Thu Nov 12 2026

Mostly VFR conditions are expected through this TAF period. Stratus has been making its way out of the area and has now cleared KMCW, KFOD, and should be completely clear of KDSM by 08z. KOTM and KALO will experience periods of MVFR ceilings with the stratus through 09z and 10z respectively. Skies will be mostly clear across the state through the day Friday, with the potential for some MVFR ceilings sneaking into eastern Iowa, impacting KALO. Winds will be light and from the north through the period, generally under 10kts.

DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.