IOWA–ILLINOIS REGION — A biting wind sweeps across the Mississippi River Valley early this morning, rattling flags over bridges and pushing wind chills into the teens and 20s across the Quad Cities region. The air feels raw and crisp—a final grip of November’s first cold snap—as northwest gusts climb near 25 mph through mid-morning.
For commuters traveling between Davenport and Moline, the cold will sting but skies remain clear, keeping roads dry for early travel. Layer up and limit time outdoors this morning; exposed skin can feel the chill quickly in these gusty conditions.
By Tuesday—Veterans Day—the weather finally turns a corner. Southerly winds return, bringing temperatures climbing toward the mid to upper 40s, with gradual clearing through the day. Midweek looks noticeably milder, with highs reaching the mid-50s to near 60°F by Wednesday under mostly sunny skies.
Late this week, the pattern steadies for a stretch of pleasant fall weather—ideal for leaf cleanup or early holiday decorating. But the calm may not last. Long-range models are hinting at a possible winter tease late next weekend, with colder air and light precipitation sliding in from the northwest. That could bring the first measurable snowflakes back to parts of northern Illinois or eastern Iowa before Thanksgiving week.
For now, it’s a crisp, classic November morning across the Heartland—bright skies, cold hands, and a slow but steady climb toward milder days ahead.
