Iowa and Illinois – A biting December chill grips the Mississippi River Valley this morning as winds skim across bridges and frost clings to windshields. The quiet start masks a developing Winter pattern that could bring 2 to 4 inches of accumulating snow to the Quad Cities by Sunday morning, setting up slick travel and slowdowns on I-74, I-80, and local connectors.
According to the National Weather Service, increasing clouds Saturday will signal the incoming system. Snow should begin Saturday night, and confidence is rising for a moderate snowfall window that may hit while many residents are out for early holiday errands. Pavement may turn slushy fast as temperatures hover in the 20s, and flash freezing becomes a concern where meltwater refreezes on bridges and shaded roadways.
Meteorologists now track a broader regional pattern as December deepens. A series of clipper systems could continue brushing the Upper Midwest every couple of days, with lake-effect bursts expected to strengthen between Dec. 11–17, especially for Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and parts of Iowa. That timing aligns with increasing holiday travel, making awareness crucial for anyone planning long drives.
For now, the Quad Cities should watch for a possible changeover from light flurries to steadier snow late Saturday night. Road conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset, and visibility could drop as winds shift out of the northwest.
Plan extra time if traveling Sunday. Keep coats, gloves, and shovels ready, and check updated road conditions before heading out.
Five-Day Outlook
Today: Increasing clouds, high 31.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low 20.
Saturday: Increasing clouds, high 27.
Saturday Night: Snow likely, 2–4″, low 17.
Sunday: Chance snow early, then mostly sunny, high 23.
Monday: Partly sunny, high 23.
