Honestly, if you've lived in central Iowa for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the app, see a "mild" 35-degree day, and then find yourself scraping an inch of ice off your windshield while a 20 mph wind tries to steal your hat. It’s basically the local sport.
Right now, the des moines weather extended forecast is doing that classic Iowa thing where it teases a thaw before throwing us back into the freezer. If you're looking at the data for late January 2026, we are currently smack in the middle of a shifting pattern. Today, Friday, January 16, we're looking at a high of 35°F, but that comes with a northwest wind at 20 mph and light snow. It’s that "wet" cold that gets into your bones.
The Immediate Outlook: Shovels or Sunglasses?
For the next few days, keep the shovel handy but don't expect a blizzard. Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, is going to be a reality check. The high drops off a cliff to 15°F. With a 16 mph wind from the northwest, the wind chill is going to be brutal. If you’re heading to the Downtown Farmers’ Market (winter edition) or just grabbing coffee in the East Village, bundle up. Seriously.
🔗 Read more: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
By Sunday, January 18, we see a weird little spike. 31°F. It sounds warm compared to Saturday, but we're looking at a mix of rain and snow. It’s going to be messy. Slushy roads on I-235 are a guarantee.
Why the Des Moines Weather Extended Forecast is So Volatile
People always ask why it can be 60 degrees one week and -10 the next. It's the "Heartland" curse. We don't have mountains to block the arctic air coming down from Canada, and we don't have oceans to moderate the temperature.
💡 You might also like: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
Looking further ahead into the next week:
- Monday, January 19: Sunny but a high of only 16°F. Typical "bright but biting" Iowa winter day.
- Tuesday, January 20: Mostly cloudy, climbing back to 33°F.
- Wednesday, January 21: 28°F and cloudy.
The humidity is hovering around 60% to 80%, which is why 30 degrees here feels a lot colder than 30 degrees in a dry climate like Denver. It's that dampness. It just clings.
📖 Related: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
What the Long-Range Data Actually Says
If we look at the historical context from the National Weather Service and the 2026 trends, January is usually our driest month, but it's also the most unpredictable. We're currently seeing temperatures slightly above the 153-year average, which sounds great until you realize "above average" still means freezing.
The Old Farmer's Almanac and recent meteorological models suggest that while the first half of January 2026 was relatively mild (we even saw some 50s and 60s earlier this month), the end of the month is going to "turn frigid." There’s a potential snowstorm signal for the very last week of January.
Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
- Check your tire pressure. These 20-degree drops cause your "low air" light to pop on like clockwork.
- Layer for the wind, not the temp. A 35-degree day with 20 mph winds is functionally colder than a 15-degree day with no wind.
- Watch the Sunday slush. That rain/snow mix on the 18th is the kind of stuff that freezes over into black ice by Monday morning's commute.
Basically, the des moines weather extended forecast shows we are done with the "spring preview" for a while. The jet stream is dipping, and the arctic air is moving in to stay for the rest of the month. It’s Iowa. It’s January. We’ve been here before.
Actionable Next Steps: Check your vehicle's antifreeze levels today while the temp is still in the 30s. When that 15°F high hits on Saturday, you’ll want to ensure your battery and fluids are ready for the overnight low of 10°F. If you have outdoor pets, ensure their water isn't frozen, as the wind chill will accelerate freezing starting tonight.