Iowa and Illinois – A sharp December chill hangs over the Quad Cities this morning as clouds thin and cold air settles along the Mississippi River. Streetlights reflect off dry pavement, and the air feels brisk enough to sting exposed skin. It looks calm, but winter is quietly setting the tone.
According to the National Weather Service serving the Quad Cities, temperatures hover in the mid-30s early with north winds gusting near 20 mph. Skies clear later today, helping visibility but not warmth. Drivers along I-80, I-74, and the Rock Island Arsenal corridors should remain alert for gusty crosswinds through midday.
Cold deepens tonight. Lows drop into the upper teens, allowing frost to form quickly on vehicles and untreated surfaces. Any moisture left behind refreezes fast, raising black ice concerns on bridges, ramps, and shaded roads by early Sunday.
Sunday brings a brighter but colder day. Sunshine dominates with highs near the low 30s. Winds relax, improving travel conditions by afternoon. Still, the cold limits melting, keeping slick spots possible early, especially north of the river.
A noticeable shift arrives Monday. Clouds increase and highs climb into the low 40s, signaling a gradual December warm-up. By Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures trend milder, pushing into the upper 40s and low 50s. Meteorologists describe this as a winter tease rather than a full pattern change.
This warm-to-cold swing matters for travelers. Mild afternoons followed by cold nights increase flash-freeze risks later this week if moisture returns. For now, roads remain dry, but timing will be key for holiday drivers.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, the Quad Cities appear manageable with no major winter storms showing yet. Still, December conditions can change fast. Travelers should monitor updates and plan extra time during colder mornings.
Heading out or traveling soon? Tell us what conditions look like where you are.
Five Day Outlook for the Quad Cities (IA–IL)
• Today: Clearing late, breezy, high near 41
• Sunday: Sunny and colder, high near 33
• Monday: Mostly cloudy, milder, high near 43
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 46
• Wednesday: Cloudy, milder, high near 53
