Iowa weather: Strong winds, storm chances and a much cooler Halloween

Trick-or-treaters may need to bundle up or have a plan for indoor activities later this week.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the entire state of Iowa through Thursday evening because of strong winds and chances of thunderstorms.

Wind gusts as high as 50 mph are possible throughout the state Tuesday into Wednesday, followed by a cold front that will drop temperatures.

Wind chill values could drop as low as 20 degrees, according to the weather service.

The weather service advises residents to check and prepare their homes for damaging winds, such as loose shingles or tree branches.

Counties in central and southern Iowa are at the highest risk for severe thunderstorms late Tuesday and into Wednesday, according to the weather service.

There will be a slight risk of severe weather Wednesday in eastern Iowa.

If severe weather approaches, the weather service advises residents to seek shelter indoors and be prepared for possible power outages.

Cooler weather will move in behind the front with high temperatures in the 40s and 50s expected statewide on Thursday and Friday, according to the weather service.

The normal high temperature in Des Moines for this time of year is 56 degrees, according to the weather service.

The cooler weather is expected to stick around through the weekend with highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s expected Friday through Sunday, according to the weather service.