DES MOINES, IA — Iowa’s brief period of dry weather is coming to an end as wet conditions return Thursday night, bringing cooler temperatures and scattered showers across much of the state through the weekend.
Today’s Forecast: Mostly Sunny, Then Clouds Increase
The National Weather Service reports that Iowa will experience mostly sunny skies today with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s, but conditions will deteriorate tonight as showers move in from the east.
Key Details for Thursday, September 24:
- High Temperatures: 65-69°F (near to slightly below normal)
- Low Temperatures: 52-57°F tonight
- Precipitation Chance: 20% today, 50-60% tonight
- Wind: East-southeast 5-10 mph today, shifting to east tonight
- Conditions: Mostly sunny today, increasing clouds tonight with showers
Regional Breakdown
Central Iowa (Des Moines, Ames, Iowa City):
- Highs: 67-69°F
- Mostly sunny today
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy, lows 55°F
- Showers likely Thursday night into Friday
Eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque):
- Highs: 65-67°F
- Wet weather could return as soon as Thursday night
- Partly cloudy overnight
- Cool but seasonable temperatures
Western Iowa (Sioux City, Council Bluffs):
- Highs: 66-68°F
- Showers likely, mainly after 4pm
- Cloudy skies developing
- Northeast wind 9-11 mph with gusts to 20 mph
Timing of Precipitation
According to local meteorologists, wet weather could return as soon as Thursday night to eastern Iowa, with the precipitation shield expanding westward through Friday. The overnight sky will be partly cloudy with cool but perfectly usual temperatures for this time of year.
“We’ll describe our overnight sky as partly cloudy. Temperatures will be cool, but perfectly usual for late September,” noted KCRG meteorologists.
Weekend Outlook
Looking ahead, Iowa can expect:
- Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with showers developing, lows 52-57°F
- Friday: Cloudy with scattered showers, highs 64-68°F
- Saturday: Continued shower chances, especially morning
- Sunday: Gradual clearing possible, temperatures moderating
What Residents Should Do
- Enjoy the sunshine today – Best weather of the period
- Prepare for wet weekend – Showers likely Friday into Saturday
- Dress in layers – Temperatures will be cool for late September
- Monitor local forecasts – Timing of showers may vary by location
Agricultural Considerations
The return of moisture comes at a critical time for some Iowa crops, though the cooler temperatures may slow field work. Farmers should monitor conditions closely as the weekend approaches, with scattered showers potentially impacting harvest activities in some areas.
Extended Forecast
Beyond the weekend, Iowa may see:
- Temperatures gradually warming toward seasonal normals
- Additional precipitation chances early next week
- Potential for more widespread rain by mid-week
- Highs returning to low 70s by early October
This forecast is based on National Weather Service data from Des Moines, Quad Cities, and Davenport offices. Conditions may change; check local forecasts for updates.
