Illinois–Iowa — Frost clings to rooftops along the Mississippi River this morning, and the cold cuts fast across the Quad Cities. Side streets look dry for now, but the air feels sharp, with temperatures near zero and wind chills dipping well below that.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, hazardous weather is quiet today, but the cold remains the main concern. Morning temperatures hover near 2 degrees at Moline, with wind chills near 10 below zero. Light winds help, but exposed skin can still feel numb within minutes.
Skies stay mostly sunny through the day, allowing highs to reach around 20. That sunshine offers little warmth, and any melting on pavement will be limited. After dark, temperatures slide back into the low single digits. Refreezing becomes a concern, especially on bridges and untreated roads.
Thursday brings a similar pattern. Partly sunny skies mix with cold air, keeping highs near 17. Calm conditions may help travel, but lingering ice patches could surprise drivers early and late in the day. By Thursday night, skies clear and temperatures drop again, setting the stage for another very cold morning.
Attention turns to Friday as bitter wind chills return. Forecast guidance shows wind chills ranging from 10 to 20 below zero by Friday morning, prompting renewed cold safety concerns. Even short trips outside will require layers, gloves, and face protection.
The weekend offers a modest improvement. Sunshine dominates Saturday, with highs climbing into the low 20s. Saturday night stays cold but calmer. By Sunday, temperatures edge closer to 30, and a small chance of snow develops during the afternoon. Any snow looks light for now, but timing could affect travel.
Looking ahead, longer-range outlooks suggest colder air relaxes next week, with fewer precipitation chances across the central U.S.
Limit time outdoors during the coldest periods. Watch for flash freezing after sunset. Traveling this weekend? Let us know what road conditions look like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for the Quad Cities (IA/IL)
- Today: Mostly sunny, very cold, high near 20°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, cold, high near 17°F
- Friday: Mostly sunny, bitter cold, high near 17°F
- Saturday: Sunny, cold, high near 23°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny, slight snow chance, high near 28°F
