Iowa/Illinois – Clouds hang low over the Quad Cities this morning, but the calm won’t last. Conditions are primed for storms to build quickly, bringing a risk of hail and gusty winds later today.
According to the National Weather Service, a cold front moving through the region could trigger isolated strong to severe storms, especially south and east of the Quad Cities. Large hail stands out as the primary threat, with damaging winds also possible .
Across Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline, skies will gradually clear after the front passes. Highs reach near 49°F today, but winds pick up and shift northwest, adding a brisk feel by afternoon. If storms develop nearby, visibility could drop quickly on I-74 and I-80.
Conditions settle fast heading into tonight. Clear skies and lighter winds allow temperatures to fall to around 24°F. That sharp drop raises the risk of refreeze on wet pavement, especially on bridges and rural roads early Saturday.
The weekend brings a major turnaround. Sunshine dominates Saturday with highs in the low 50s, followed by a stronger warm-up Sunday into the mid-60s. Fire weather concerns may increase with dry air and gusty winds.
By Monday, temperatures surge toward 79°F across the Quad Cities, delivering a burst of early summer warmth. However, that warmth fuels instability. Thunderstorms return Monday night into Tuesday, with a more active spring pattern setting up.
Plan around changing conditions today, stay weather-aware this afternoon, and prepare for slick spots early Saturday.
Five Day Forecast for Quad Cities (Davenport, IA / Moline, IL):
Saturday: Sunny, high near 53°F
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 65°F
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 79°F
Tuesday: Chance of storms, high near 81°F
Wednesday: Chance of rain, high near 64°F
