Des Moines Weather Radar

Des Moines Live Weather

Des Moines Live Weather Radar

Click to toggle between the Des Moines cloud cover radar map and the Des Moines precipitation radar map.

Des Moines Hourly Weather Forecast

Des Moines 7-Day Weather Forecast

Des Moines Weather Overview

Des Moines sits at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers in central Iowa, deep in the humid-continental Midwest. Summers bring heat and humidity that fuel dangerous storms, while winters deliver Arctic cold and heavy snow. A reliable Des Moines weather radar is essential year-round — NWS Des Moines (WFO DMX) monitors conditions that shift fast across open prairie.

Tornado season hits from April through June. The metro averages roughly 5 tornadoes per year within 50 miles, and severe thunderstorms produce damaging hail and straight-line winds. The August 2020 derecho tore across central Iowa with 140 mph winds, knocking out power to 340,000 customers and causing $7.5 billion in statewide damage. Checking the Des Moines weather radar during storm season means sheltering in time instead of getting caught off guard. Flooding is another constant threat — during the Great Flood of 1993, the Des Moines River crested at 34.27 feet, shutting down the water plant and leaving 250,000 without running water for 12 days. Use the Des Moines weather radar to track heavy rainfall and rising river levels.

Winter brings blizzards and 33 inches of annual snow. The March 2007 ice storm coated central Iowa in 2 inches of ice, leaving 200,000 without power. The Des Moines weather radar tracks winter storms and rain-snow boundaries across the metro. With 36.01 inches of yearly precipitation, the Des Moines weather radar stays busy every season.

Des Moines Weather Risks & Safety

Key weather hazards to monitor on the Des Moines weather radar

Tornado Risk

Tornadoes hit Des Moines hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Des Moines averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.

Severe Thunderstorm Risk

Severe thunderstorms roll through Des Moines regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Des Moines, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.

Flooding & Flash Flood Risk

Flash flooding is Des Moines's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.

Blizzard & Heavy Snow Risk

Des Moines gets hit by blizzards when Arctic air combines with moisture — 12+ inches of snow, 35+ mph winds, near-zero visibility. On the radar you can watch the storm bands approach and figure out exactly when the worst will arrive. That timing matters: get your errands done before the bands reach you, and be ready for power outages and road closures that can last days.

How to Use Des Moines Weather Radar

Follow these steps to get the most from the Des Moines weather radar data.

Check Current Des Moines Conditions

Look at the weather status bar at the top of the Des Moines radar page. It shows temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions — useful before heading out on I-235 or downtown.

Watch the Radar for Approaching Storms

The animated radar map shows precipitation moving across central Iowa. Hit play to see storm direction and speed — critical during tornado season when supercells track along the Des Moines River valley.

Review the Hourly and 7-Day Forecast

Scroll to the hourly forecast to check for thunderstorms or snow in the next few hours. The 7-day outlook helps plan around Des Moines's fast-changing weather patterns.

Plan Around Severe Weather

When NWS Des Moines issues tornado or flood warnings, check back frequently. The radar updates every 10 minutes, giving you time to shelter or reroute before storms reach the metro.

Who Benefits from Des Moines Weather Radar

How different people use the Des Moines radar data

Commuters & Drivers

Check radar before driving I-80 or I-35 — spot storms, ice, and flooding on your route.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Runners and cyclists at Gray's Lake Park — see incoming storms 30 minutes out.

Event Planners & Families

Heading to Principal Park or Wells Fargo Arena? Radar shows exactly when rain arrives.

Outdoor Workers

Insurance and ag crews across Polk County — check radar before outdoor fieldwork.

Des Moines Weather FAQ

Common questions about Des Moines weather patterns and radar

When is tornado season in Des Moines?

Tornado season in Des Moines runs primarily from April through June, when warm Gulf moisture collides with cold fronts over the Great Plains. The metro averages about 5 tornadoes per year within a 50-mile radius, according to NWS Des Moines. Most are EF0 or EF1, but stronger tornadoes have struck the area. Have a safe room or basement plan ready before the season starts.

How much snow does Des Moines get per year?

Des Moines averages about 33 inches of snow annually, with the heaviest accumulations from December through February. Blizzards can dump 10 or more inches in a single event, shutting down I-80 and I-35. The March 2007 ice storm coated the metro in 2 inches of ice and knocked out power to 200,000 customers. Check the radar to track winter storm bands approaching from the west.

What was the worst weather disaster in Des Moines history?

The Great Flood of 1993 was the worst. The Des Moines River crested at 34.27 feet — well above the 23-foot flood stage — and flooded the city's water treatment plant on July 11. About 250,000 residents went without running water for 12 days. Damage exceeded $716 million in the metro area alone. The 2020 derecho also ranks among the worst, with 140 mph winds and $7.5 billion in statewide damage.

Does Des Moines get severe thunderstorms often?

Yes. Severe thunderstorms hit Des Moines regularly from spring through early fall, producing damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The August 2020 derecho was the most extreme example — straight-line winds up to 140 mph tore across central Iowa, making it one of the costliest thunderstorm events in U.S. history. NWS Des Moines typically issues multiple severe thunderstorm warnings each season.

How is this radar different from KCCI or WHO-TV Des Moines weather radar?

KCCI and WHO-TV pair their radar with meteorologist commentary and live storm coverage — great during active severe weather. This page provides a lightweight, ad-free alternative with interactive RainViewer radar maps, Open-Meteo hourly forecasts, and a 7-day outlook for Des Moines. Radar imagery updates approximately every 10 minutes. If you want fast radar access without video autoplay or ads, bookmark this page.

What type of climate does Des Moines have?

Des Moines has a humid-continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with average highs near 86°F, while winters drop well below freezing with lows around 13°F. The city receives about 36.01 inches of precipitation per year. Record extremes include 110°F in 1936 and −30°F in 1884, showing just how wide the temperature swings can get in central Iowa.