Quad Cities, IA/IL – The first snowflakes of the season could arrive late Saturday across eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois, marking the region’s first brush with wintry weather this fall.
According to the US National Weather Service Quad Cities, rain will mix with snow Saturday afternoon and evening, mainly across northern and central areas. Any accumulation will be very light, limited by warm, wet ground and pavement temperatures that will cause most of the snow to melt on contact.
By Saturday night, temperatures will drop below freezing, which could lead to isolated slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads early Sunday morning as leftover moisture freezes.
Forecasters say the highest chance of measurable snow (0.1” or more) will be near Dubuque, Freeport, and Sterling, though most areas will only see brief flurries or light coatings on grassy surfaces. Much colder air will follow the system into Sunday, with lows dipping into the 20s and wind chills in the teens by morning.
Drivers are urged to use caution Saturday night into Sunday morning and monitor updates as the season’s first wintry system moves through.
