Des Moines Sets Heat Records as Lawmakers Stall Abortion Ban and Police Probe Shooting

It has been an eventful stretch across the metro, with weather records, Statehouse debate and public safety concerns topping local headlines.

Historic February Heat

Des Moines closed out February with multiple record-breaking high temperatures. The city reached 68 degrees earlier in the week, surpassing a record set in 1981 and marking the third record high of 2026.

Meteorologists say the unusual warmth places this month among the most notable late-winter warm periods in local climate history. While mild air is lingering briefly, forecasters expect temperatures to cool back into the 30s with a chance of light snow in the days ahead.

Abortion Ban Bill Won’t Advance

At the Iowa Capitol, a proposal from House Republicans that would have banned nearly all abortions will not move forward this year. Legislative leaders confirmed the bill lacks the support needed to advance during the current session.

The decision comes during a busy funnel week at the Statehouse, when many bills must clear key deadlines to remain eligible for debate. Lawmakers are continuing to focus on other high-profile proposals as the session progresses.

West Des Moines Shooting Under Investigation

Police in West Des Moines are investigating a recent shooting that left one person hospitalized. Authorities say officers responded to reports of gunfire and located a victim with injuries. The individual was transported to a local hospital, and their condition has not been publicly detailed.

Investigators have not released information about possible suspects and are asking anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact law enforcement.

Sources

https://www.weareiowa.com/article/weather/des-moines-notches-multiple-february-record-highs-extending-recent-pattern-of-clus
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/february-heat-des-moines-sets-another-temperature-record-monday/ar-AA1WtY
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/16/iowa-house-gop-bill-banning-all-abortions-wont-advance-this-year/
https://www.kcci.com/article/person-hospitalized-after-shooting-in-west-des-moines-police-investigating/