Iowa 7-Day Forecast: 97°F–98°F Heat Today and Monday, Easing to Mid-80s by Friday
Saturday night 8/1 low near 67°F
What changed
The National Weather Service forecast for central Iowa (Des Moines area) lays out a hot start to the week that gradually loosens:
- Today (Sat 7/26): High of 97°F. Tonight's low around 79°F.
- Monday 7/27: High of 98°F — the hottest day in the forecast. Monday night low near 74°F.
- Tuesday 7/28: High of 91°F. Tuesday night low near 70°F.
- Wednesday 7/29: High of 93°F. Wednesday night low near 69°F.
- Thursday 7/30: High of 90°F. Thursday night low near 69°F.
- Friday 7/31: High of 85°F. Friday night low near 67°F.
- Saturday night 8/1: Low near 67°F.
The two-day punch of 97°F and 98°F is the headline. After that, highs settle into the low 90s Tuesday through Thursday, then drop to 85°F Friday.
Why it matters
Late July is prime time for corn pollination and early soybean pod fill across Iowa. Daytime highs in the upper 90s combined with overnight lows near 79°F tonight and 74°F Monday night could add stress during those critical windows. The overnight temperatures are worth watching closely — warm nights limit the crop's ability to recover from daytime heat. By midweek, overnight lows drop to the upper 60s, which is more favorable. The Friday cool-down to 85°F may offer some breathing room heading into August.
What to watch next
- Updated NWS forecasts — these numbers can shift, especially for Thursday onward. Check back for revisions.
- Rainfall chances — this forecast covers temperatures only. Moisture availability alongside this heat could change the stress picture. Check locally for precipitation outlooks.
- Crop condition reports — USDA's weekly Crop Progress report (typically released Monday afternoon) may reflect how Iowa corn and soybeans are handling the heat.
Source notes
All temperatures from the U.S. National Weather Service API, central Iowa (Des Moines grid point), accessed July 26, 2026.
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