Illinois wakes under a steel-gray sky with cold that cuts through layers.
Wind snaps across open ground. Light snow skims roadways. Tires crunch over patches that froze before dawn in the Quad Cities.
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect across north-central Illinois and eastern Iowa through midday. Wind chills range from -15 to -25 degrees, creating frostbite risk in under 30 minutes. Even brief outdoor exposure feels harsh.
Snow spreads into southern portions of the region this morning. Accumulations range from 1 to 3 inches, with isolated spots near 4 inches south of a Memphis, Missouri–Macomb, Illinois line. Lighter totals are expected farther north, but impacts remain high. Roads can snow over quickly as flakes fall onto frozen pavement.
Travel along I-80, I-74, and U.S. 61 may become slick within minutes of snowfall. Visibility drops at times as bursts move through. Plan extra time if traveling today, especially during the late morning and early afternoon window.
By evening, snow gradually tapers from west to east. Cold air tightens its grip. Temperatures drop fast after sunset, locking in ice where snow briefly melts. Flash freezing becomes a serious concern on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Sunday brings quieter weather but no real warmth. Skies trend brighter, yet highs only reach the low teens. Bitter cold continues into Monday morning, with wind chills again pushing below -20 degrees before easing later in the day.
Early next week offers slow improvement. Sunshine helps highs climb into the 20s by Tuesday. Long-range outlooks still favor below-normal temperatures across the Midwest, even as storm chances decrease.
Dress in layers. Watch bridges closely. Are roads icy where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook: Quad Cities, Illinois–Iowa
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, very cold. High near 13°F
- Monday: Sunny, cold. High near 13°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High near 23°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 17°F
- Thursday: Sunny, cold. High near 17°F
