Iowa–Illinois – Clear skies and calm air greet the Quad Cities this morning, but the quiet start will not last all week. Damp air is already waiting upstream, and while Winter Weather stays muted for now, subtle changes could affect Christmas Travel timing across eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
According to the National Weather Service, today stays partly sunny with highs near 47. Winds remain light, keeping conditions comfortable for late-December errands. Tonight turns colder, with lows near 30, allowing surfaces to cool quickly after sunset.
Wednesday brings the first travel wrinkle. Clouds thicken, and areas of drizzle develop by afternoon and evening. Highs reach the mid-40s, but light moisture could dampen roads across Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, and Bettendorf. Visibility may drop at times, especially near the river.
Patchy drizzle lingers into Wednesday night before tapering. Christmas Day stays cloudy with highs near 47. Roads remain wet but manageable, and no snow or ice is expected during the day. To be fair, this is a favorable setup for holiday travel compared to many recent Decembers.
By Thursday night, rain chances increase again as warmer air pushes north. Temperatures stay above freezing, but steady rain could create slick conditions on I-80, I-74, and Highway 61. Friday turns noticeably warmer, with highs climbing into the mid-50s, supporting smooth post-Christmas travel for much of the day.
That warmth fades quickly. Cooler air arrives late Friday night, and lows dip into the upper 30s. Any leftover moisture may refreeze outside urban areas. Looking ahead, a sharper cold snap arrives Sunday, with highs near 29 and much colder nights to follow.
Plan extra time during drizzle periods. Watch for fog near the river. Enjoy the mild stretch before Winter tightens its grip again. Traveling after Christmas? What conditions are you seeing along your route?
Five Day Outlook for the Quad Cities (IA/IL)
- Tuesday: Partly sunny. High near 47.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. High near 45. Areas of drizzle.
- Thursday (Christmas Day): Cloudy. High near 47.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy and warmer. High near 54.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy. High near 55, colder late.
