Iowa and Illinois wake up to a crisp, quiet start across the Quad Cities, with temperatures near 27 degrees and a pale winter sun rising over the Mississippi River. The calm won’t last.
Snow is expected to develop late tonight, mainly between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities. Most areas will see less than a half inch. However, a narrow band from near Grinnell, Iowa, toward Galesburg, Illinois, could pick up 1 to 2 inches.
Freezing drizzle is also possible south of a line from Ottumwa to Galesburg. Even light icing can turn bridges and untreated roads slick by early Thursday. If you travel along I-80, I-74, or Highway 61 before sunrise, plan extra time.
Highs today reach 38 under sunny skies. Temperatures then fall to around 22 tonight. That drop increases the risk of flash freezing where snow melts and refreezes on pavement.
Conditions improve Thursday with mostly sunny skies and a high near 49. A dramatic warm-up arrives Friday. Sunshine boosts highs to 64 degrees, and southwest winds may gust up to 30 mph. Dry air and wind could elevate fire weather concerns south and east of the metro.
The weekend cools again. Saturday brings a 30 percent chance of snow after noon with highs near 41. Sunday holds a 40 percent chance of snow and highs near 34.
Five Day Outlook for Quad Cities, IA/IL:
Today: Sunny, high 38.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 49.
Friday: Sunny, high 64.
Saturday: Chance of snow, high 41.
Sunday: Chance of snow, high 34.
