Weather
Illinois, Iowa Weather Update: October Ranks Among Warmest
Moline, IL – An unusually warm and dry October is nearing its end across Illinois, Iowa and much of the Midwest, with several communities recording one of their warmest Octobers on record. Temperature
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-30T10:55:22.037Z
Moline, IL – An unusually warm and dry October is nearing its end across Illinois, Iowa and much of the Midwest, with several communities recording one of their warmest Octobers on record. Temperatures have remained well above seasonal averages, while some locations have yet to experience their first freeze.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, preliminary climate data through Wednesday, October 28, places several regional weather stations among their 10 warmest Octobers.
Moline Records Fourth Warmest October
Moline, Illinois, has recorded an average October temperature of 60.5 degrees , approximately 6.1 degrees above normal, ranking fourth warmest in its historical records.
Across eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids has averaged 60.2 degrees, nearly 9 degrees above normal, placing it fifth warmest based on available records.
Other notable readings include:
Burlington: 61.6 degrees, 6.8 above normal, sixth warmest. Dubuque: 58.3 degrees, 7.8 above normal, seventh warmest. Davenport: 60.8 degrees, 7.6 above normal. Iowa City: 61.1 degrees, 7.3 above normal. The Burlington and Cedar Rapids rankings are based on incomplete historical databases.
October Heat Followed by Extended Dry Conditions
Meteorologists say October began with wetter conditions before a substantial warmup during the second week brought widespread afternoon temperatures into the 80s.
Several locations tied or broke daily high temperature records October 12.
The region experienced only three or four below normal days during much of the month.
Additionally, many areas have recorded less than one tenth of an inch of precipitation since October 17.
The prolonged dry stretch may affect soil moisture heading into November, particularly where rainfall has remained limited.
What Happens Next?
With October ending Saturday, final monthly rankings could change slightly as additional temperature observations are included.
The National Weather Service noted that some locations have not yet experienced freezing temperatures this fall.
Residents should continue monitoring local forecasts for changing temperatures and potential frost or freezing conditions as November approaches.