Davenport, Iowa – Strong winds and summer-like warmth will sweep across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois today, with gusts up to 45 mph and a slight chance of severe thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, warm and windy conditions will dominate the region through Monday afternoon. High temperatures are expected to range from 75 to 80 degrees near Highway 20 in Iowa, while areas farther south and east could climb to 80–85 degrees. A low chance (20–30%) exists for isolated to scattered thunderstorms later today. If storms develop, they could become severe.
Residents along Highway 20, including Dubuque, Cedar Falls, and Waterloo, should secure loose outdoor items and use caution when driving high-profile vehicles. The strong southerly winds could make travel hazardous, particularly for trucks and RVs on open highways.
In Illinois, cities like Moline and Rock Island will also experience strong gusts and warm conditions. Utility crews are on alert for possible downed power lines if storms materialize. Drivers are urged to stay weather-aware and delay travel if storms pop up this evening.
The windy, unseasonably warm pattern is unusual for late April but not unprecedented, echoing similar events from 2021 when scattered storms triggered localized damage.
Gusty winds will persist through sunset, with scattered storms possible into early evening. Residents should monitor local alerts, as additional warnings could be issued if severe storms develop.
