Iowa and Illinois wake to a punishing winter morning as Arctic air settles over the Quad Cities. Snow skitters across fields, wind whistles through bridges, and the cold bites exposed skin almost instantly.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, temperatures hover near 5°F early, with wind chills plunging from –10° to –20° at times. Recent light snowfall combined with gusty winds may produce patchy blowing snow, especially in rural areas. Even brief bursts can sharply reduce visibility.
Travel impacts are most likely this morning and into the afternoon. I-80, I-74, and east–west county roads may turn slick as drifting snow covers icy patches. Sidewalks and parking lots remain slippery due to lingering cold. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and be ready for sudden whiteouts. Pedestrians should use caution on untreated surfaces.
Conditions remain cold today, with highs struggling to reach the upper 20s. Winds ease somewhat later, but the chill persists. Tonight stays frigid, with lows near 14°F, allowing any melted snow to refreeze quickly and worsening black ice risks.
A gradual change begins Tuesday and Wednesday. Fog may develop at times Tuesday morning, then sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the mid-30s Tuesday and near 40°F Wednesday. Meteorologists call this an early winter transition, where sharp temperature swings become more frequent in December.
Attention then turns to Wednesday night into Thursday. Rain becomes likely, with highs near 44°F Thursday. As colder air returns late, wet roads could refreeze, creating another round of slick travel during evening commutes.
Looking toward the weekend, quieter weather returns with seasonable temperatures, though winter remains firmly in control.
5-Day Outlook for the Quad Cities, IA–IL
- Tuesday: Fog early, then mostly sunny, high near 36°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 40°F
- Thursday: Rain likely, high near 44°F
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 33°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 43°F
