Dubuque, Iowa – January 2026 ended colder and drier than normal across eastern Iowa and western Illinois, affecting travel corridors including U.S. 20, U.S. 61, I-80 and I-74.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities, average temperatures across the region finished 1 to 2 degrees below normal for the month. The colder-than-average outcome followed a sharp shift in conditions during the second half of January after an unusually warm start.
The first two weeks of the month featured springlike temperatures, including a record high set in Dubuque on Jan. 8. Much of the month’s precipitation also fell on that day, with rain and snow impacting roadways across the Quad Cities region and nearby interstate routes.
Colder air settled in after mid-month, bringing well-below-normal temperatures to cities such as Dubuque and Moline. Daily temperature data shows extended stretches of overnight lows in the single digits and teens, particularly during the final third of January, increasing frost and refreeze concerns on untreated roads and bridges.
Precipitation totals for January were below normal across the entire area, with monthly amounts finishing at roughly 25 percent or less of normal in many locations. Snowfall totals were also reduced, ending 3 to 9 inches below normal for the month, despite several minor snow events.
Maps provided by the High Plains Regional Climate Center show much of eastern Iowa and western Illinois trending colder than average, while precipitation deficits were widespread.
The colder finish and lack of snowfall may be notable for commuters, students and young workers who typically see heavier snow impacts during January along major routes such as I-80 and I-74.
