High climate load. Physical climate score and electricity cost are reported separately.
Des Moines has a high climate load. Its Climate Stress Score of 60.2 is above the indexed-metro median of 37.9. The January normal low is 13.8°F, and 5 months have a normal low below freezing.
The primary planning issue in this profile is winter temperature and freeze exposure. The standardized 9 kW session estimate is $2.60, above the indexed-metro median of $2.46; this uses the Iowa statewide residential electricity average, not a city utility quote. The selected snowfall record reports 36.5 inches annually.
For construction or maintenance work that is easier in moderate conditions, the monthly normals point to April, May, September, October. This is a climate-screening observation, not a construction schedule or permit recommendation.
| Profile | Climate | 9 kW session | Jan. low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | 60.2 | $2.60 | 13.8°F |
| Indexed median | 37.9 | $2.46 | — |
| Closest index peer: Portland | 60.3 | $5.22 | 15.6°F |
Climate source: NOAA/NCEI U.S. Monthly Climate Normals 1991–2020 (direct by-station archive)
Temperature/precipitation station: USW00014933 — DES MOINES INTL AP (4.2 mi from city reference point)
Normal period: 1991–2020
Electricity source: EIA residential retail electricity price (2026-07)
Rate geography: Iowa statewide residential average
Dataset generated: September 28, 2026
Recent observations through: September 22, 2026
Snowfall status: available. Missing values are not included in rankings.
