Living in Ankeny, you learn pretty quickly that checking the forecast isn't just a suggestion—it’s a survival skill. Honestly, if you've spent even one winter here, you know the drill. You walk into a Target on Delaware Ave wearing a light jacket because it's 35°F and sunny, and you walk out forty minutes later into a horizontal snowstorm that feels like 10°F.
That's the thing about weather for Ankeny Iowa. It changes fast.
Right now, as of mid-January 2026, we’re in the thick of it. Today is hitting a high of 35°F, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's "warm." The south wind is kicking at 11 mph, making it feel more like 22°F. Clouds are sticking around, and we’ve got a 35% chance of snow this afternoon. It’s that gray, heavy sky that basically defines an Iowa January.
Why the Forecast Usually Lies to You
Most weather apps give you a generic "Des Moines" reading. But if you live in the Trestle Village or over by Prairie Trail, you know the wind hits different here. Ankeny sits on a bit of a plateau compared to some of the lower spots in the metro. That means when the wind comes whipping across the open fields from the north, it doesn't just blow; it bites.
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Historically, January is our coldest month. Average highs sit around 31°F, but the nights? They’ll regularly drop to 11°F. If you’re a gardener or just someone who cares about their lawn, the first frost usually hits between October 11 and 20. But the real kicker is the spring—the last frost usually sticks around until April 29.
Basically, don't plant your tomatoes too early. You'll regret it.
What the Next Few Days Look Like
If you're planning your weekend, keep the shovel handy. Friday, January 16, is looking messy. We're expecting snow showers with a high of 34°F. But the real story is the wind shifting to the northwest and ramping up to 19 mph. It’s going to be one of those "stay inside and order pizza" kind of days.
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Saturday gets even colder. We’re looking at a high of only 13°F. Yeah, you read that right. 13.
- Thursday Night: Rain and snow mix, low of 11°F.
- Friday Night: More snow showers, low of 13°F.
- Saturday: Light snow, bitter cold, high of 13°F.
Sunday offers a tiny bit of relief with a high of 33°F, but the wind stays aggressive. It’s going to be west-northwest at about 18 mph. If you're heading out to the High Trestle Trail for a winter walk, wrap a scarf around your face. You've been warned.
Surviving the Ankeny "Perma-Cloud"
There’s a phenomenon here in January where the sun just... disappears. Wanderlog data shows we only get about 10 hours of clear or sunny skies a day on average. That means 42% of the time, it's just various shades of "Iowan Gray." It can get to you.
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Honestly, the best way to deal with it is to lean into the indoor lifestyle. Ankeny has actually gotten pretty good at this. If the wind chill is making the Miracle Park playground a no-go, people head to the District at Prairie Trail. Between the shops and places like Firetrucker Brewery, you can stay warm without feeling like a hermit.
Winter Driving in Polk County
A lot of people think since we’re a "suburb," the roads are always perfect. Usually, they are—Ankeny Public Works is actually pretty fast with the plows. But when we get those 19 mph northwest winds like we're expecting this Friday, the drifting is the real enemy.
State Street and Ankeny Blvd (Highway 69) can get slick fast. If you're commuting down to Des Moines, the bridge over I-80 is almost always an ice skating rink before the rest of the road.
Actionable Tips for This Week
Since we’re staring down a cold snap and some light snow, here’s what you should actually do:
- Check your tires today. That drop to 13°F on Saturday will make your tire pressure light pop on if you're even a little low.
- Layers are your best friend. Friday’s 34°F high is a trap because of the wind. Wear a windbreaker over a hoodie.
- Plan your errands for Monday. Monday, January 19, looks sunny. Even though it'll be cold (high of 15°F), the lack of precipitation makes it the best day for grocery runs.
- Watch the humidity. It's at 38% right now but will jump to 65% by Friday. That "wet cold" feels way worse than a dry one.
Ankeny is a great place to be, even when the weather is trying to freeze your eyelashes off. Just keep an eye on those northwest winds—they're the true bosses of the Iowa winter. Stay warm, keep the salt bag by the front door, and remember: April is only three months away. Sorta.