Davenport, Iowa – Southwest wind gusts up to 35 mph combined with humidity dipping near 20 percent will create critical fire danger along I-80 and I-74 through early Friday evening.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, a strong warm-up will push highs into the upper 60s to near 70 degrees across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois Friday. At the same time, dry air and gusty winds will overspread the region, especially south of the Quad Cities metro. These conditions significantly increase the risk for rapid fire spread.
Communities from Davenport and Bettendorf to Moline and Rock Island should avoid outdoor burning. Any spark from equipment, trailer chains or discarded cigarettes could ignite dry grasses. Drivers on I-80 west toward Iowa City and east into Illinois may encounter strong crosswinds, particularly on open stretches and elevated ramps.
A sharp pattern shift arrives tonight as temperatures fall into the 20s and 30s. By Saturday, highs will retreat into the 30s and 40s, with cooler air settling in for the weekend. Snow chances increase north of I-80 late Saturday into Sunday, with parts of northern Illinois and northeast Iowa seeing a 30 to 60 percent chance of light accumulation.
Motorists should prepare for changing conditions, from fire danger Friday to possible slick roads by Sunday afternoon.
Fire weather concerns remain the top priority through early Friday evening, and additional statements may be issued if winds exceed projections.
