Council Bluffs, IA Homeowners Can Expect a Warm and Wet Fall, Says The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Fall 2025 will feel a little different in western Iowa that years previously.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a season that skews warmer and wetter than normal for the northern Plains, including Council Bluffs.

While the Northeast cools down, the Heartland will hold on to extra warmth well into the season. And the heat doesn't just apply to the weather, as the Iowa suburb is among the towns with the honor of being named one of the top ZIP codes of the year.

Iowa’s forecast: warm with a touch of rain

The Almanac’s state breakdown shows Nebraska trending warm and wet, with similar conditions likely spilling across western Iowa. For the Heartland region, September is expected to average 69°F—1° above normal—with just 1.5 inches of rain, well below average. By October, the average temperature dips to 57°F, near normal, with 3 inches of rain.

That means Council Bluffs residents should expect plenty of sunny days and warm early stretches in September, followed by scattered storms in October. The combination could lead to a more muted foliage season but a longer outdoor-friendly fall.

Council Bluffs market draws buyer interest

Council Bluffs is also seeing activity on the housing front. The city’s 51503 ZIP code ranked No. 28 on the Realtor.com Hottest ZIP Codes of 2025 list, showcasing the increase in buyer interest over the past year as well as its relatively value.

Homes here are pulling in 2.4× more views per property than the U.S. average and selling in just 27 days, much faster than the national norm. The median listing price sits at $302,000, making Council Bluffs one of the more affordable markets on the top 50 list.

Compared with nearby Midwestern standouts like Bloomington, IL (ZIP 61704, $358,000) and Jefferson City, MO (ZIP 65109, $363,000), Council Bluffs offers a lower price point but still boasts fast-moving inventory. As Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale explained, “Shoppers are increasingly seeking out ZIPs with better value just outside of expensive urban cores."

Council Bluffs fits that description squarely, offering proximity to Omaha at prices well under national and metro averages.

September prep for homeowners

With warm early fall weather, Council Bluffs homeowners have a prime opportunity to prep before winter.

“Before the grass is covered with snow, or it’s too cold to venture outside, check walkways for cracks and loose paver material,” says Ryan Williams of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric.

Chris Granger, of Sears Home Services, notes that siding upkeep is another smart September task: “September is a great time to use a pressure washer to clean it up—and inspect for more serious problems before winter comes”.

Other smart to-dos include sealing windows, sweeping chimneys, and replacing HVAC filters. Together, these steps prepare homes for the shift from mild autumn days to chilly Midwestern nights. See the Realtor.com September home maintenance checklist for more tips and ideas.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.