Warm and Windy Weather Brings Showers to Iowa

Gusty south winds up to 40 mph will bring warmer and more humid air with a few showers, more storm chances early this week.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:24am

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, with a sense of overwhelming scale and energy conveying the power of the natural world during a spring storm in the Midwest.The dramatic, sweeping landscape of an Iowa spring day reflects the unpredictable power of the region's weather.Des Moines Today

Warm and breezy conditions are expected across Iowa today, with gusty south winds up to 40 mph bringing warmer and more humid air to the state. A few showers are possible, especially in the eastern part of the state, and there is a chance of more widespread storm activity early this week.

Why it matters

The warm, windy, and potentially stormy weather could impact outdoor activities and travel plans for Iowans, as well as agricultural operations. The changing weather patterns also highlight the unpredictable nature of spring in the Midwest.

The details

The warm front that moved through overnight has triggered some showers and thunderstorms, with more rain chances expected through the afternoon, especially east of Interstate 35. Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 70s, well above average for this time of year. The gusty south winds of 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, could make it feel more humid and make outdoor activities more challenging.

  • Overnight, a warm front surged through the state, bringing warmer and more humid air.
  • This morning, some thunderstorms developed along the leading edge of the warm front, but have since pushed into Minnesota.
  • Showers are expected to develop and move through the state, especially in the eastern half, through the early afternoon hours.
  • Winds are expected to remain gusty, with south winds of 10-20 mph and gusts up to 40 mph, through the afternoon.
  • Temperatures are forecast to peak in the low 70s around midday.

The players

Iowa

The state experiencing the warm, windy, and potentially stormy weather conditions.

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What they’re saying

“It's warm, maybe a little humid, but nothing to complain about.”

— David Koeller, Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue any necessary watches, warnings, or advisories for the state of Iowa.

The takeaway

The warm, windy, and potentially stormy weather serves as a reminder that spring in the Midwest can be unpredictable, with rapidly changing conditions that can impact daily activities and plans. Iowans should stay informed about the latest forecasts and be prepared to adjust their plans as needed.