Bitterly cold air is set to grip eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois midweek, with dangerously low wind chills expected from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities.
Forecasters warn that wind chill values will plunge between -10°F and -20°F by early Thursday, marking the coldest conditions so far this season. While Friday morning will also be frigid, it’s expected to be slightly less extreme as temperatures slowly moderate.
Actual low temperatures Wednesday night will dip into the single digits, with northwest winds of 10–20 mph adding a sharp chill to the air. Under these conditions, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, making proper cold-weather precautions essential.
Daytime highs on Thursday will only reach the teens to lower 20s, keeping the region well below normal for early December. The cold will continue through Friday before a gradual warming trend begins heading into the weekend.
Residents across Burlington, Davenport, Dubuque, Moline, and Cedar Rapids are urged to limit time outdoors, wear multiple layers, and cover all exposed skin. Be sure to bring pets indoors and check on neighbors, the elderly, and those without adequate heating.
While no major snow or ice is expected during this cold snap, any lingering moisture on roads and sidewalks may refreeze overnight, leading to slick spots during the morning commute.
This week’s frigid weather is a preview of the Arctic air expected to make more frequent appearances as the region heads deeper into December.
