Iowa and Illinois feel more like late April than mid-February this morning, but the wind carries a serious warning across the Quad Cities. Temperatures surge into the mid-60s today, topping out near 66 in Davenport. Southwest winds strengthen to 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 or even 50 mph.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. for eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. Relative humidity could drop as low as 15 percent. Dry vegetation, strong wind, and warm air create critical fire weather conditions.
Avoid outdoor burning today. Secure trash bins and patio furniture. Drivers along I-80 and I-74 should prepare for strong crosswinds, especially on bridges over the Mississippi River.
Clouds increase tonight as temperatures fall to around 40. Winds remain breezy but gradually ease. Changes arrive Thursday. A slight chance of rain or snow develops early, then a better chance of rain by afternoon with highs near 62. A few thunderstorms are possible.
By Thursday night, colder air pushes in behind the system. Rain may mix with or change to light snow before ending. Little accumulation is expected, but temperatures drop to around 30. That opens the door for patchy icy spots into Friday morning if moisture refreezes.
Friday turns partly sunny with highs near 39. The weekend stays cooler, with highs in the mid-30s Saturday and low 30s Sunday. A slight snow chance lingers Saturday.
Early next week remains brisk, but the 6–10 day outlook signals a warming trend returning across the Midwest. Spring warmth may build again late next week.
Are winds howling where you live in the Quad Cities? Let us know what you’re seeing along the river.
Five-Day Outlook for Davenport, Iowa – Moline, Illinois:
Today: High 66, sunny and breezy, Red Flag Warning
Thursday: High 62, chance of rain, slight thunder risk
Friday: High 39, partly sunny
Saturday: High 35, slight chance of snow
Sunday: High 33, mostly sunny
