Iowa–Illinois – A hard February chill grips the Quad Cities early this morning as gray clouds hang low over the Mississippi River. Wind cuts across bridges, and pavement feels brittle underfoot right now, but change is already unfolding.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures rise steadily today, climbing from the mid-20s into the upper 30s by afternoon. Winds gust near 20 mph at times, helping break up cloud cover and melt leftover frost on roads and sidewalks.
Drivers should stay alert through the morning commute. Bridges on I-74, I-80, and river crossings freeze first and thaw last. Even brief melting can create slick spots where shade lingers. Slow speeds and longer following distances remain smart early on.
Conditions improve this afternoon as highs approach 39°F. Melting accelerates, and roads generally turn wet instead of icy. To be fair, this thaw sets up another problem later. Temperatures fall back toward the mid-20s tonight, allowing water on pavement to refreeze quickly.
Monday brings a noticeable shift. Sunshine returns, and highs surge close to 49°F across Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, and Bettendorf. Snowbanks shrink fast, runoff increases, and standing water forms near curbs and low spots. Gusty winds stay light enough to avoid major travel issues.
Tuesday continues the mild stretch with highs near 49°F again under partly sunny skies. That warmth feels dramatic for February, especially with the Mississippi still rimmed by ice. Midweek stays seasonable, with highs in the mid-40s Wednesday before colder air creeps back.
By Thursday, clouds thicken and a chance of snow develops during the afternoon and evening. Even light snow could stick if temperatures slip quickly after sunset, creating another slick travel window.
Looking into the 6–10 day period, above-normal temperatures remain favored across the Midwest, hinting at a broader late-winter thaw despite lingering ice on the Great Lakes.
For now, expect a cold start, a mild afternoon, and refreezing tonight. Are bridges icy where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for the Quad Cities (IA/IL)
• Today: Decreasing clouds, high 39°F
• Monday: Partly sunny, high 49°F
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, high 49°F
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 45°F
• Thursday: Cloudy, chance of snow, high 43°F
