Davenport, IA – A bitter cold snap is gripping eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois this weekend, bringing dangerous wind chills of -15°F to -25°F. Areas along Highway 20 may experience wind chills as low as -30°F. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
According to the National Weather Service in Quad Cities, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until Tuesday morning. Gusty northwest winds will make conditions feel even colder, with speeds reaching 20 mph and gusts up to 40 mph. The advisory impacts parts of Illinois, including Rockford, Freeport, and Sterling, as well as eastern Iowa, including Clinton and Dubuque.
Residents should limit outdoor exposure, dress in multiple layers, and ensure vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, have access to heating. Key safety tips include wearing waterproof boots, insulated coats, and face coverings to protect against frostbite, which can occur in under 30 minutes in these conditions.
The extended forecast shows temperatures remaining frigid through midweek. Sunday’s high will hover near 3°F, with wind chills keeping the “feels-like” temperature around -20°F. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highs will reach 11°F, followed by another drop Tuesday, with highs only reaching 9°F.
Travelers are urged to drive cautiously, as icy conditions and strong winds may affect visibility. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, water, and a flashlight.
Stay updated on the latest weather developments by monitoring local forecasts and alerts from the National Weather Service.
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