Iowa and Illinois wake to gray skies, damp roads, and glowing headlights across the Quad Cities this Christmas morning.
Patchy fog lingers early, reducing visibility in spots across Davenport, Rock Island, Moline, and Bettendorf. According to the National Weather Service, dense fog that developed overnight is gradually thinning, but low visibility may persist through about 8 a.m. Light drizzle mixes in at times, keeping pavement slick.
Drivers heading out early should expect changing conditions, especially near the Mississippi River and along I-80 and I-74. Even brief fog pockets can catch drivers off guard. Slow down and allow extra distance.
Conditions improve later this morning. Fog lifts, drizzle tapers, and temperatures climb into the mid-40s, offering relatively quiet Christmas travel for the afternoon and evening. For now, winter hazards remain limited.
That changes as the weekend approaches.
Friday brings areas of morning fog again before skies turn partly sunny. Highs near 50 degrees keep roads wet but manageable. Saturday stays mild and cloudy, with highs reaching the low-to-mid 50s, a calm stretch for post-Christmas errands and regional travel.
Attention turns to Sunday.
Rain chances increase Sunday afternoon, followed by a sharp temperature drop Sunday night. Forecast models show colder air sweeping in, with rain possibly mixing with snow before ending. Winds increase, adding a brisk feel and lowering visibility at times.
By Monday, winter tightens its grip. Highs struggle to reach the low 20s, and any leftover moisture may freeze. Early commuters could encounter black ice, especially on untreated roads and bridges.
Meteorologists continue monitoring broader Midwest trends that favor colder, more wintry conditions as December closes.
Plan smart travel today, stay alert in fog, and prepare for a Winter Weather shift heading into early next week across the Quad Cities.
