Quad Cities, Illinois – A push of Arctic air is expected to influence communities along the Iowa–Illinois border between Jan. 18 and Jan. 22, bringing a turn toward colder conditions as a fast-moving clipper system reinforces a broader pattern shift across the Midwest.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10 day temperature outlook, the Iowa–Illinois border region falls within an area showing a 40% to 60% probability of below-normal temperatures during this period. This indicates moderate confidence in colder-than-average conditions, though not as strong as signals farther east and south. The pattern change is driven by ridging across the western U.S. and Alaska, allowing colder air to spill southeastward into the central Plains and Midwest.
Daytime high temperatures are expected to trend below mid-January averages at times, while overnight lows dip more noticeably, particularly during clear periods. Increasing northwest winds behind the clipper system may enhance the chill, leading to colder-feeling mornings, especially for early commuters and outdoor workers.
Through Jan. 22, precipitation chances are expected to remain near normal for this time of year. Forecast guidance does not indicate a strong signal for widespread snow during the core cold window, as the Arctic air mass influencing the region is expected to be relatively dry. Any snow that does occur would likely be light and brief.
Looking beyond the initial cold stretch, forecast outlooks indicate a 20% to 40% risk of heavy snow sometime during the Jan. 20–26 timeframe across parts of northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, northern Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. While confidence in exact timing and placement remains limited, the colder pattern could support more impactful snowfall if storm systems track through the region.
For residents along the Iowa–Illinois border, the primary impacts through Jan. 22 will be cooler temperatures and colder nights, with attention turning to potential snow risks later in the period.
