If you’ve lived in central Iowa for more than a week, you’ve probably heard the old joke: "If you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes." Honestly, it’s not just a joke. It’s a survival strategy.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, what's the weather in des moines iowa is basically a masterclass in why you should never put away your heavy coat before May. Right now, it’s a crisp 19°F outside. But that number is a total lie. Thanks to some persistent 9 mph winds coming out of the southwest, the "feels like" temperature is actually hovering at a biting 8°F.
It’s cloudy. It’s grey. It’s exactly what you’d expect from January in the Midwest, but there’s a lot more moving under the surface than just a bit of overcast sky.
The Reality of January in Des Moines
We’re currently sitting in the middle of a shifting weather pattern. While the current temperature is 19°F, we’re technically heading for a high of 25°F today. That sounds almost pleasant compared to the 4°F low we’re expecting tonight.
But don't get too comfortable.
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The National Weather Service has been busy today. While Des Moines itself is currently just "cloudy" with a 10% to 20% chance of snow flurries, a massive Wind Advisory is active for our neighbors in west-central Iowa—places like Pottawattamie and Shelby counties. They’re looking at 50 mph gusts. In Des Moines, we’re seeing the edges of that energy. Later this afternoon, those 10-15 mph southwest winds are expected to flip to the northwest and ramp up to 25 mph, with gusts potentially hitting 40 mph.
Basically, if you have a loose patio chair or a lightweight trash can, you might want to secure it before the afternoon hits.
Why the "Feels Like" Temperature Matters More
In Iowa, the raw temperature is just a suggestion. The wind is the real boss.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 19°F |
| RealFeel / Feels Like | 8°F |
| Wind Speed | 9 mph (gusting to 25-40 mph later) |
| Humidity | 57% |
| UV Index | 1 (Low) |
When you look at what's the weather in des moines iowa, you have to look at the "Cold Weather Advisory" looming for tomorrow. By Monday morning, wind chills are predicted to dive as low as -20°F to -25°F in parts of central and eastern Iowa. That’s the kind of cold that turns a quick walk to the mailbox into a legitimate safety hazard for exposed skin.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Our Winters
A lot of folks from out of state think Des Moines is just a constant tundra from November to March. That's not really true. Our winters are actually getting "wilder" rather than just "colder."
Take this month, for example. Historically, the average high for January is around 30°F. But in 2026, we've seen this weird split. We had a relatively mild start to the month, and now we’re getting hit with these intense, short-lived cold snaps and wind events.
The "Old Farmer’s Almanac" for the 2025-2026 season actually called this. They predicted a "warmer than normal" winter overall but warned about these "frigid" pockets in late January. We are right in the thick of one of those pockets.
The Snow Story
Surprisingly, we aren't buried in drifts right now. The chance of precipitation today is only 20%. It’s mostly just "patchy blowing snow" caused by the high winds picking up whatever is already on the ground.
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Most of the real winter drama is currently staying to the north. Northern Iowa is under a Winter Weather Advisory right now, dealing with actual accumulation and visibility issues. Down here in the metro, we're just dealing with the raw, dry cold.
Survival Tips for the Next 48 Hours
Knowing what's the weather in des moines iowa is only half the battle. Surviving it without losing a finger to frostbite is the other half.
First off, layers are your best friend. The National Weather Service (NWS) isn't kidding when they say three thin layers are better than one big puffy coat. The air trapped between the layers acts as an insulator.
If you’re driving, be careful on the bridges. Even if the roads look dry, that "patchy blowing snow" can create thin spots of ice, especially on the I-235 and the I-35/80 mixmaster.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tire pressure: Cold snaps like the one coming tonight cause air to compress, which will likely trigger your "low tire" light by tomorrow morning.
- Prep for Monday morning: Since the wind chill will be near -20°F tomorrow, start your car early or make sure your kids have full face coverings for the bus stop.
- Watch the wind: If you’re traveling west of Des Moines today, be prepared for high-profile vehicle alerts due to those 50 mph gusts.
The weather in Des Moines is rarely boring. It’s a mix of resilience and checking the radar every hour. Stay warm out there, and remember—it’ll probably be 50 degrees again in three weeks because that’s just how Iowa works.