Greater Des Moines/ Weather & Environment

Des Moines Gets One Last Mild Day Before November Cold Snap

AI Assisted Icon
Published on November 11, 2026
Des Moines Gets One Last Mild Day Before November Cold SnapGreater Des Moines City Hall Plaza — Weather Coverage Backdrop
Google Street View

Des Moines is getting one more mild November day before the weather takes a decidedly colder turn. Clear skies and temperatures in the low 40s early Wednesday will give way to mostly sunny conditions and a high near 58, though gusty northwest winds will make the afternoon feel less balmy.

Afternoon Winds Pick Up

Winds will shift northwest and run around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph. Spotty showers are possible Wednesday morning, with a 30% chance before noon.

The National Weather Service's Des Moines forecast puts Wednesday night's low around 37. Skies should be mostly clear, and the wind will remain noticeable, with northwest gusts up to 20 mph.

Thursday Brings A Chilly Reset

Thursday will be mostly sunny but much cooler, topping out near 45 degrees as north-northwest winds reach about 14 mph, with gusts of 15 to 30 mph. Temperatures then dip to the lower to middle 20s Thursday night, making the first half of the week feel like a quick preview of winter.

Sunny, Dry Stretch Through The Weekend

Friday stays sunny with a high near 43, followed by a cold low around 24 overnight. Dry and quiet conditions should persist Saturday, while Sunday rebounds slightly to 47 and Monday reaches 49.

The warming trend continues into early next week, with highs expected to rebound into the 50s. No watches, warnings or advisories are currently in effect, but residents heading out early or staying late should plan for a sharp difference between afternoon and overnight temperatures.