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Current warnings over West Des Moines, Iowa
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<p>Warnings from F5Weather</a></div>

United States weather warnings are issued by various organizations under NOAA. Most from the National Weather Service, but also Storm Prediction Center and National Hurricane Center.

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Current radar over West Des Moines, Iowa red dot
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<p>Live radar from F5Weather</a></div>

Our radar is based off of US NEXRAD and Canadian weather radar sites through the quality controlled MRMS system. It compiles various sources for radar data and filters out erroneous returns such as sun spikes and ground clutter. We then colorize the precipitation based on our methods for determining precipitation type. Rain is in shades of green, mixed precipitation and freezing rain in shades of pink and snow is in shades of blue.

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Current satellite over West Des Moines, Iowa red dot
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<p>Live satellite from F5Weather</a></div>

Our satellite is from the GOES-16. It is color enhanced by using a geocolor terrain background during the day and black marble city lights at night. The daytime satellite data is Visible satellite imagery, and nighttime uses Infrared bands. The bluish clouds are fog and low cloud. The whiteest clouds are the coldest, highest cloud tops.

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Current surface weather map around Polk County, IA

This surface map is from the HRRR computer model. It is a 1-hour forecast, updated hourly, which is a good estimate of the current surface conditions. This map shows the current high and low pressure centers, pressure isobar contours, wind streamlines and thickness contours. It also shows the currently depicted preciptiation estimates, although this should not be a substitute for actual live radar. The purple dashed contour is the 5400m thickness line, which is often a good proxy for the rain/snow line.

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Temperatures right now near West Des Moines, Iowa

This is the latest surface temperatures as depicted by the HRRR computer model, updated hourly. Although these are not actual observations, this model is a very good representation of current conditions as it factors in observations, terrain and physics to give you more detailed temperatures in areas that do not have reporting weather stations. For the latest reports at specific locations, like in West Des Moines, IA please see our current conditions data on the left and right side of this page, or go to our current conditions page.

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Surface wind speed map over West Des Moines, IA

This map shows the latest HRRR computer model winds. This depiction of the current wind directions and speeds is an estimate from the computer model. For actual observations in West Des Moines, IA, see the current conditions data on the left and right side of this page, or go to our current conditions page.

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Regional 24 hour rainfall expected near West Des Moines, Iowa

This is a forecast of the amount of precipitation expected over the next 24 hours from the HRRR weather forecast model. This is only one forecast depiction, and you should check other models to get a better idea of what may happen. You can view this and other models in more detail on our main weather forecast maps page. There, you will also be able to look at forecasts beyond just 24 hours and look at forecasts out to as far as 16 days.

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Area snowfall accumulation expected around Polk County, Iowa

This is snowfall forecast, with amounts anticipated in the next 24 hours. This guidance is from the HRRR weather model. For more model forecasts out to 16 days, visit our main weather forecast maps page.

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These are Convective Outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center. Click to see Days 1-3 broken down into Tornado, Wind and Hail threats, as well as days 5-8 outlooks.

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Atlantic Hurricane and Tropical Storm Tracking Map
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<p>Hurricane Tracking from F5Weather</a></div>

Our hurricane tracking map monitors for any current or forecast tropical disturbances in the Atlantic. (See our Pacific Hurricane Tracker) Various hurricane models will draw a 'spaghetti plot' in the Atlantic Basin when a disturbance is forecast or exists, showing the system's forecast track. Once a storm has developed, the National Hurricane Center will forecast their official track. This will show up on the map along with the storm's current intensity, track and name. We will also plot some of the storm's vitals and of course the spaghetti plots from the models along with the NHC forecast track will give you an idea of where it's heading, and its forecast intensity with time.

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To view the latest computer models, visit f5wx.com for access to the weather maps and guidance that meteorologists use to make their forecasts.
 
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  • 3-Ensemble Mean & more!
View Skew-T soundings, textual data tables for your location, and of course maps! Weather forecast maps of the basics like temperature, wind, pressure, humidity, dew point, cloud cover, simulated radar, travel weather, rainfall and snow are available. More advanced users can also get use out of our severe weather & tornado threat maps, as well as upper air & shear graphics.
 
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Climate Summary
(made with AI, use with caution)
West Des Moines, Iowa Climate Summary

Average Temperatures

    •   January: 22°F (-6°C)
    •   July: 77°F (25°C)
    •   Annual average: 50°F (10°C)

Precipitation

    •   Annual average: 36 inches (91 cm)
    •   Rainiest month: June (4.5 inches)
    •   Driest month: January (1.5 inches)

Snowfall

    •   Annual average: 28 inches (71 cm)
    •   Snowiest month: January (8 inches)

Sunshine

    •   Annual average: 2,136 hours
    •   Sunniest month: July (310 hours)
    •   Cloudiest month: December (140 hours)

Climate Type

    •   Humid continental climate
    •   Warm, humid summers
    •   Cold, snowy winters

Extreme Weather

    •   Tornadoes

Occasional, especially in spring and summer

    •   Severe thunderstorms

Frequent, with hail, lightning, and high winds

    •   Flooding

Can occur during heavy rainfall or snowmelt

    •   Extreme heat

Heat index values can reach over 100°F (38°C) in summer

    •   Extreme cold

Wind chill values can drop below -20°F (-29°C) in winter

Seasonal Characteristics

    •   Spring

Mild temperatures, increasing precipitation, and occasional severe weather

    •   Summer

Warm and humid, with frequent thunderstorms and high temperatures

    •   Autumn

Pleasant temperatures, decreasing precipitation, and changing foliage

    •   Winter

Cold and snowy, with occasional extreme cold snaps and ice storms

Overall

West Des Moines has a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional periods of drought or flooding. Extreme weather events, such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, can occur, but are not common.

Facts & Historical Information
(made with AI, use with caution)
Natural History

    •   The Raccoon River Valley, where West Des Moines is located, was carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

    •   The area is home to a diverse ecosystem, including wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.

    •   The city's parks, such as Raccoon River Park and Brown's Woods, provide habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities.

Science

    •   West Des Moines is home to the Iowa State University Research Park, a hub for biotechnology and other scientific research.

    •   The city is also a center for medical innovation, with several hospitals and clinics located there.

    •   The Des Moines Water Works, which provides water to West Des Moines and surrounding areas, is a leader in water conservation and sustainability.

Personalities

    •   Henry A. Wallace, the 33rd Vice President of the United States, was born in West Des Moines.

    •   George Washington Carver, the renowned agricultural scientist, lived and worked in West Des Moines for several years.

    •   Meredith Willson, the composer of \

Tourist Attractions
1.Jordan Creek Town Center

is an upscale outdoor shopping mall with over 100 stores and restaurants. It is located just west of Des Moines in West Des Moines.

2.Living History Farms

is a living history museum that tells the story of Iowa's agricultural heritage. It is located just south of Des Moines in Urbandale.

3.Science Center of Iowa

is a science museum with over 300 interactive exhibits. It is located in downtown Des Moines.

Nearby Cities:

Clive, IA
Windsor Heights, IAUrbandale, IA
Johnston, IADes Moines, IA
Waukee, IAGrimes, IA
Norwalk, IAVan Meter, IA
Pleasant Hill, IAAnkeny, IA
Granger, IADallas Center, IA
Polk City, IADe Soto, IA
Carlisle, IAAdel, IA
Omaha, NE
Cedar Rapids, IAIowa City, IA
Waterloo, IAAmes, IA
Council Bluffs, IABellevue, NE
Cedar Falls, IAMarion, IA
Marshalltown, IAMason City, IA
Fort Dodge, IA