Davenport, Iowa – A brief stretch of mild January weather across the Quad Cities will come to an abrupt end midweek as strong winds usher in colder air and set the stage for light snow chances late in the week.
Tuesday will feel more like early spring than mid-January across Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the upper 40s to mid-50s, but the warmth comes with breezy west winds gusting between 20 and 30 mph, making it feel less comfortable at times, especially on exposed roadways.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, conditions change quickly Wednesday. A colder air mass will move in behind a front, dropping highs into the mid-20s to lower 30s. Winds will strengthen further, with gusts approaching 40 mph at times, creating sharply colder wind chills and difficult driving conditions for high-profile vehicles.
By Wednesday night, temperatures are expected to fall into the single digits to mid-teens, locking in a much colder pattern. Thursday remains cold, with highs struggling to reach the upper 20s. While Thursday daytime looks mostly dry, attention turns to Thursday night into Friday.
Forecasters say the next chance for precipitation arrives late Thursday night into Friday, with a 30 to 60 percent chance of light snow. Snowfall amounts appear limited at this stage, but even light snow combined with cold temperatures could lead to slick roads, especially during the Friday morning commute.
Friday highs are expected to remain in the low to mid-30s, with cold nights continuing into the weekend. Wind chills early Friday may dip into the single digits.
Drivers should prepare for changing conditions, particularly Wednesday’s strong winds and the potential for light snow late week. While no major winter storm is expected, the rapid shift from mild to cold may catch some off guard.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items ahead of Wednesday’s winds and monitor forecast updates as snow chances become clearer toward the end of the week.
