Illinois–Iowa – Gray clouds stretch across the Mississippi River Valley this morning as light rain taps rooftops in the Quad Cities. The calm start may not last long. Meteorologists are closely watching the atmosphere for stronger storms later today.
The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities region says conditions could support severe thunderstorms later today, especially across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Some storms may become powerful during the late afternoon and evening.
Forecasters warn that supercell thunderstorms are possible, capable of producing golf ball–size hail, damaging wind gusts, and even a few tornadoes. The most likely window for severe storms appears between late afternoon and mid-evening.
Drivers along Interstate 80, Interstate 74, and U.S. Route 61 should be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Heavy rain could briefly reduce visibility while strong winds whip across open bridges along the Mississippi River.
Communities across Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island could see storms intensify quickly if warm, unstable air builds during the day. Meteorologists say a moderate severe weather risk has been outlined across portions of the region.
After storms move through, conditions turn calmer and cooler. Sunshine returns Thursday with highs climbing into the low 50s across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois.
Another weather shift develops heading toward Friday, March 13, when breezy conditions return across the Mississippi Valley. Gusty winds may create noticeable crosswinds along north-south roadways and open rural highways.
Looking toward the weekend, clouds increase again across the Quad Cities. A developing system may bring rain Saturday night, followed by a rain-to-snow mix late in the weekend as colder air filters into the Midwest.
Early March often brings these quick weather swings between spring warmth and lingering winter systems.
Five-Day Outlook for the Quad Cities (Illinois–Iowa)
Wednesday: Chance of rain or rain-snow mix with breezy conditions. High near 41°F.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear and colder. Low near 28°F.
Thursday: Increasing clouds with milder air. High near 51°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High near 48°F.
Saturday: Cloudy and cool. High near 47°F.
