Iowa – Wind scours the riverfront, loose snow skitters across bridges, and exposed skin stings within seconds. MLK Day opens with a punishing cold snap across the Quad Cities, where even brief trips outside demand preparation.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through midday. Wind chills have dropped between 15 and 30 degrees below zero across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. Actual temperatures hover near zero, while northwest gusts over 30 mph amplify the cold. Light snow and flurries are also possible, keeping visibility variable.
Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline are seeing patchy slick spots, especially on bridges and elevated ramps. Roadways along I-80, I-74, and Highway 61 may look merely cold but can glaze quickly. Flash freezing remains a concern where light snow melts briefly, then refreezes as winds persist.
Cold conditions linger into Tuesday morning, though winds slowly ease. Clouds increase by Tuesday night, and light snow is expected along and north of I-80. Accumulations should remain light, but timing favors slippery travel into Wednesday morning. Another surge of colder air is possible late week, with Friday and Saturday trending colder than today.
Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors. Frostbite can develop in under 30 minutes at these wind chill levels. Drivers should plan extra time and keep emergency supplies handy. Check on neighbors and keep pets indoors as this cold snap tightens its grip.
Five Day Weather Outlook for the Quad Cities (IA/IL)
• Today (MLK Day): Flurries, dangerously cold, high near 10°F
• Tuesday: Increasing clouds, cold, high near 25°F
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 30°F
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 25°F
• Friday: Partly sunny, very cold, high near 7°F
