Des Moines sits where the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers meet on the flat Iowa plains, in the heart of Tornado Alley’s eastern extension, where spring and early summer bring the region’s most active severe thunderstorm season. NWS radar coverage extends across this river-confluence district.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Des Moines right now?
The map above shows recent radar observations over Des Moines, Iowa where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over Des Moines can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the Des Moines rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Des Moines?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over Iowa and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near Des Moines, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
Is this Des Moines rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.