Iowa and Illinois wake to a calm but watchful winter morning along the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. Thin clouds glow faintly as temperatures hover near 35 degrees.
Early Monday feels quiet across the Quad Cities. Roads remain mostly dry, and visibility stays good for now. Still, warming air raises new concerns. Ice along the Rock River may begin breaking up today, creating shifting conditions near riverbanks and low crossings.
As the day moves on, temperatures climb toward the mid-40s. Light winds keep things feeling mild for Winter 2026. For now, travel stays manageable, though drivers near waterways should remain alert.
Conditions change tonight. Patchy fog develops after dark and may thicken toward Tuesday morning. Some areas could see locally dense fog, especially near rivers and open fields. Reduced visibility may slow the morning commute on I-80 and connecting routes.
Tuesday brings improvement. Fog lifts by midmorning as sunshine returns. Highs reach the upper 40s, helping dry pavement. Tuesday night turns cooler, with lows near freezing. Any leftover moisture could refreeze on bridges and untreated surfaces.
Wednesday delivers the warmest stretch. Sunshine pushes highs into the low 50s. It feels more like March than January, to be fair. Melting snowbanks and river ice may increase runoff, though major flooding is not expected.
Attention shifts to Thursday and Friday. Clouds thicken Thursday with rain chances increasing by afternoon. Rain becomes more likely Thursday night into Friday, keeping roads wet. As temperatures cool Friday night, a rain-to-snow transition becomes possible, especially north of the Quad Cities.
By the weekend, colder air settles back in. Highs drop into the 30s, and winter regains control. Flash freezing may develop where daytime moisture refreezes after sunset.
This week brings rapid changes across the Iowa–Illinois border. Stay Weather-aware and plan ahead for shifting travel conditions.
Seeing fog, river ice movement, or slick spots near you? Share what you’re noticing.
Five-Day Weather Outlook: Quad Cities IA–IL
Monday: Mostly sunny. High 46.
Tuesday: Morning fog, then sun. High 47.
Wednesday: Sunny and mild. High 53.
Thursday: Increasing clouds, rain late. High 53.
Friday: Rain likely, colder late. High 45.
