This week, Iowans can expect a mix of warm, sunny days and increasing chances of rain as the weekend approaches. The start of the week will feel like a continuation of summer, but a shift in the weather pattern will bring cooler temperatures and scattered thunderstorms by Friday and Saturday.
Early Week: Warm and Sunny
Across most of the state, Monday and Tuesday will feature sunny skies and above-average temperatures. Highs will hover in the mid-to-upper 80s, with places like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Keokuk reaching as high as 88°F. Winds will generally be light, with occasional breezes, especially in the western parts of the state like Sioux City and Council Bluffs. Expect comfortable nights, with temperatures dropping into the low to mid-60s, providing cool, clear evenings.
Midweek: Continued Warmth with Increasing Cloud Cover
Wednesday will continue to bring warm and mostly sunny conditions to central and eastern Iowa, with highs in the mid-80s. However, as we move westward, areas like Sioux City and Council Bluffs may start seeing more clouds and a slight chance of showers, particularly overnight. While daytime conditions remain pleasant, the weather will gradually become more unsettled, signaling a change later in the week.
Late Week: Rain and Thunderstorm Chances Increase
By Thursday night and into Friday, most areas across Iowa will see an increased chance of showers and thunderstorms. The highest likelihood of rain will be in western Iowa, with places like Sioux City and Council Bluffs seeing the greatest chances of thunderstorms. As the rain moves eastward, central and eastern Iowa, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque, will also face the potential for scattered showers. Despite the rain, temperatures will remain warm, with highs in the low to mid-80s.
Weekend Outlook: Cooler and Cloudier
As the weekend approaches, expect cooler temperatures and more frequent rain. By Saturday, most areas will see highs drop into the upper 70s to low 80s, with a continued chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. The western parts of the state, particularly around Sioux City and Council Bluffs, could see heavier rainfall and more persistent storms.
Summary:
This week begins with warm, sunny weather, but by midweek, rain chances will increase, particularly in the western parts of Iowa. By the weekend, cooler temperatures and scattered thunderstorms are expected statewide. Keep an umbrella handy, especially toward the end of the week, and enjoy the sunny days while they last!