DES MOINES, Iowa — A period of heavy rain has concluded across Iowa, with some locations recording more than an inch of precipitation on Thursday. According to KCCI‑8 News chief meteorologist Jason Sydejko, the rain is expected to taper off by Thursday evening as winds begin to pick up. Residents should prepare for gusts of 35 to 40 mph on Friday, particularly during the morning hours.

Friday is forecast to feel raw, with temperatures hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s °F. Due to the gusty winds, the wind chill will make it feel closer to the upper 30s to mid‑40s. The weather pattern shifts as strong high pressure moves in from the southwest on Saturday. This system is expected to clear the skies, weaken the gusty winds, and drop temperatures into the low 30s. Consequently, widespread frost and freezing conditions are anticipated across the state on Saturday morning. Sydejko advises residents to bring any outdoor plants inside before Saturday morning to protect them from the cold.

Temperatures are expected to rebound as high pressure slowly moves east, bringing southwest winds back to the state. This will help temperatures climb from the 50s on Friday and Saturday to the mid‑ to upper‑60s from Sunday through Tuesday. Further warming is projected for the following workweek, with lows in the 70s and highs in the low‑ to mid‑70s from Wednesday through Friday. Models currently hint at a system passing near the state by the end of the week, which may bring the next chance for showers, though specific details remain uncertain because of model disagreement.