textproduct: Des Moines

KEY MESSAGES

- Mild weather Monday and Tuesday

- Low chance of showers Tuesday night (<15%) followed by a cold Wednesday.

- Chances for accumulating snow Thursday and Friday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 221 PM CST Sun Jan 11 2026

Ridging from high pressure in the south started departing this afternoon, opening up WAA for much of the state. Highs in the mid 30s will sneak into southwest Iowa, a big temperature swing from the low teens seen there this morning. A shortwave will bring a wind enhancement overnight tonight, easing late. The decoupling and cooling may be enough for patchy fog in the northeast in the morning. Thermal ridging sits overhead Monday and Tuesday with highs returning to the 40s and even 50s. A front arrives Tuesday night and looks to be largely moisture starved. There could be a brief window of showers.

A colder airmass follows and a 50kt+ jet comes overhead, increasing winds and gusts Wednesday. Highs will only be in the mid 20s north. Northerly flow opens a path for a sequence of waves to impact Iowa in the latter half of the work week. The highest likelihood (50-60% chance) on Friday afternoon. Ensemble guidance at this range has over a 50% chance of seeing at least an inch of snow in northeast Iowa.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1056 PM CST Sun Jan 11 2026

VFR conditions prevail overhead. Occasional gusts have held on over northern Iowa late this evening, but should begin to diminish through the morning hours. LLWS will continue to impact KALO and KOTM through the next few hours, then diminishes into the morning. Light west southwesterly winds with VFR conditions prevail Monday.

DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.