Iowa 7-Day Forecast: 97°F Today, Cool-Down to Low 80s Midweek, Heat Back by Sunday
61°F overnight (Wednesday Night)
64°F overnight (Thursday Night)
69°F overnight (Saturday Night)
What changed
The NWS forecast for central Iowa (Des Moines office) shows a sharp temperature swing this week:
- Today (Sun 7/20): 97°F high, dropping to 72°F tonight
- Tuesday: 86°F high, 63°F overnight
- Wednesday: 81°F high, 61°F overnight
- Thursday: 81°F high, 64°F overnight
- Friday: 81°F high, 64°F overnight
- Saturday: 88°F high, 69°F overnight
- Sunday (7/26): 94°F high, 73°F overnight
That's a 16-degree drop from today's peak to Wednesday's high, then a 13-degree climb from Friday back to Sunday.
Why it matters
Late July is prime time for corn pollination and early soybean pod set across Iowa. Daytime highs in the low 80s with nights dipping to 61–64°F midweek could give crops a breather after today's 97°F stress. But the weekend return to the upper 80s and low 90s means the relief window is only about three days. How fields respond may depend on whether any rain accompanies the cool-down — something this temperature-only forecast doesn't cover. Check your local NWS office for precipitation details.
What to watch next
- Friday-to-Saturday jump: The 7-degree rise from 81°F Friday to 88°F Saturday signals the heat ridge rebuilding. If that trend holds or accelerates, next week could bring another round of 90°F-plus days.
- Overnight lows: Midweek lows near 61°F give corn a chance to recover at night. By Sunday night, lows are back to 73°F — warm enough to limit nighttime recovery.
- Updated forecasts: NWS forecasts shift daily. Worth checking back Wednesday to see if the weekend heat forecast firms up or moderates.
Source notes
All temperatures from the U.S. National Weather Service API, Des Moines (DMX) forecast office, grid point 73,49. Forecast issued for the period July 20–27, 2026. This is a point forecast for central Iowa and may not match conditions across the full state.
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