Sunny Easter Sunday, Active Weather Week Ahead for Des Moines

Warmer temperatures on Sunday, but multiple rain chances and potential wintry mix in the forecast for the week

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:25am

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After a chilly start to Easter Sunday, sunny skies and warmer temperatures are expected to arrive by the afternoon, with highs reaching around 60 degrees. However, the calm weather is short-lived, as an active weather pattern is set to move in for the rest of the week, bringing multiple rain chances and even the potential for a wintry mix by Tuesday.

Why it matters

The changing weather conditions over the next week will impact outdoor Easter activities, spring planting, and overall seasonal preparations for residents in the Des Moines area. The potential for wintry weather in mid-April is also noteworthy, as it could disrupt normal springtime routines.

The details

Sunday morning will start off chilly, with temperatures in the 30s and wind chills in the 20s due to a northwest breeze. However, sunshine and lighter winds are expected to help temperatures climb to around 60 degrees by the afternoon. The warmer weather will be short-lived, as clouds move in on Monday, limiting highs to the 40s. Tuesday brings the chance of an isolated wintry mix, with the focus on the southwest corner of the state, though the metro area could also see some of that precipitation. By the end of the week, the region could see an inch or two of additional rainfall.

  • This morning, temperatures will start in the 30s with wind chills in the 20s.
  • By noon, temperatures should reach around 50 degrees with sunshine.
  • Highs on Sunday afternoon are expected to top out around 60 degrees.
  • On Monday, highs will only reach the 40s with increasing cloud cover.
  • On Tuesday, there is a chance of a wintry mix, especially in southwest Iowa.

The players

Des Moines

The largest city in Iowa and the capital of the state, located in central Iowa.

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The takeaway

This week's weather in Des Moines will be a mix of spring and winter, with a pleasant Easter Sunday giving way to a more active and unsettled pattern for the rest of the week. Residents should be prepared for changing conditions, including the potential for wintry precipitation, as they make plans for the upcoming days.