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(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines saw above‑average temperatures in early January, but colder weather and snow showers will return this weekend.
“We are expecting some pretty widespread snow showers. Some of those may even be snow squalls that can certainly cause significant travel impacts,” said Rod Donavon, Meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “With that moving in on Saturday, that will drop wind chill values to that 10‑ to even minus‑25‑below range.”
Snow showers, and potentially snow squalls, are expected tonight (Friday), which could reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions due to blowing snow, flash freezes, and slick roads. Donavon says drivers should be extra cautious, as low visibility and freezing surfaces could make travel dangerous.
“Strong, intense snow showers can bring a quick reduction in visibility,” Donavon explained. “In addition, snow squalls typically have strong wind gusts, 35 miles an hour or greater, and in cases like today, you can get what we call a flash freeze.”
Donavon says temperatures for the rest of January are expected to return to colder, seasonal averages following the warm start to the month.