Is it raining now in Des Moines?
Sunny
27 JulNo upcoming precipitation for the next hour.
Last update: 12:00, 27 Jul 2026
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Rain in Des Moines: What You Need to Know
Des Moines, Washington experiences Pacific marine climate — 150+ rain days per year. The Des Moines rain radar delivers real-time NEXRAD data from KATX (Camano Island), updated every 4–6 minutes at up to 250-meter resolution. Storms in this part of Washington typically approach from southwest off Pacific, and RainViewer's hyperlocal radar shows their exact position and direction so you can act before conditions change.
A standard forecast covers the broader Washington region. RainViewer shows the actual cell over Des Moines right now — with direction arrows and a 2-hour nowcast so residents and visitors can make real decisions, not guesses.
Rain by Season in Des Moines
Peak rain season (October–April (frontal/AR season); July–August reliably dry)
Des Moines's highest weather risk aligns with October–April (frontal/AR season); July–August reliably dry. Pacific marine climate — 150+ rain days per year drives precipitation events in this region.
Transition months
Seasonal transitions bring variable conditions — a live radar is more reliable than a forecast during these less predictable windows.
Drier season (July–August)
Precipitation probability drops in Des Moines during July–August, allowing outdoor activities to proceed with lower weather risk.
Why You Need a Rain Radar in Des Moines
Commuters and Drivers in Des Moines
A radar check before leaving gives Des Moines drivers 20+ minutes to adjust timing or avoid flood-prone roads. Real-time NEXRAD is more actionable than a forecast probability for daily commute decisions in Washington.
Outdoor Planning in Des Moines
Residents and visitors planning outdoor activities in Des Moines benefit from knowing exactly when rain will arrive from southwest off Pacific. A live radar replaces forecast uncertainty with a real decision window.
RainViewer Radar Coverage in Des Moines
RainViewer aggregates radar data for the United States from the NEXRAD network operated by NOAA's National Weather Service — 160 WSR-88D stations covering the contiguous US, Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories. Data updates every 4–6 minutes as each station completes its scan cycle. RainViewer processes and displays NEXRAD data at up to 250-meter resolution. For Des Moines, Washington, the primary NEXRAD source is KATX (Camano Island).
Des Moines Rain Radar: Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Des Moines flood when it rains?
Des Moines can experience localized flooding during intense rain events, particularly in low-lying areas near drainage channels. Pacific marine climate — 150+ rain days per year means runoff can accumulate quickly in parts of Washington. A live radar provides advance warning before conditions develop.
- When is the rainy season in Des Moines?
Des Moines's primary rain season runs through October–April (frontal/AR season); July–August reliably dry. The driest period is typically July–August.
- Is there a live rain radar for Des Moines?
Yes — RainViewer shows live NEXRAD data for Des Moines at up to 250-meter resolution, updated every 4–6 minutes from KATX (Camano Island). The hyperlocal radar includes current precipitation, storm direction, and a 2-hour nowcast.
- Can I set a rain alert for Des Moines?
RainViewer Essential sends a rain alert 10–15 minutes before precipitation reaches your saved location in Des Moines, Washington. Set an alert for your specific address — not just a general Washington area warning.
Track Rain in Des Moines in Real Time
Rain can arrive in Des Moines faster than a forecast update — a live radar gives you the window to act.
Forecasts cover Washington broadly. RainViewer shows the cell position over Des Moines right now.
Your weather app shows rain likely near Des Moines. RainViewer shows the cell position and minutes to arrival.
Track rain in Des Moines — free Upgrade to Essential for alerts, forecasts, and full radar history
2-hour forecast in 5-minute slices
see when rain will reach Des Moines
Rain alerts before arrival
set an alert for your Des Moines address
Direction arrows
storms approach Des Moines from southwest off Pacific
48 hours of radar history
review recent rain patterns in Des Moines
Multiple locations
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