Illinois and Iowa wake to a sharp winter stillness as cold air presses along the Mississippi River. Frost coats windshields, the river steams faintly, and the cold bites fast on exposed skin.
Portions of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois remain under dangerous winter conditions this morning. According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, wind chills range from 5 below to as cold as 15 below zero across the region. These conditions continue through the morning hours, increasing frostbite risk and keeping untreated roads slick.
In the Quad Cities, temperatures sit near 7 degrees with northwest winds gusting over 10 mph. Travel along I-80, I-74, and US-61 remains tricky, especially on bridges and river crossings where ice forms quickly. Even brief stops outside can feel harsh without proper layers.
Attention now turns to snow chances developing Sunday into Sunday evening. The National Weather Service indicates a 40 to 50 percent chance of snow across the Quad Cities area. Most locations receive between one-half inch and one inch, though locally higher amounts are possible northeast toward northeastern Iowa. Even light snow could produce slick spots during the afternoon and evening commute.
Sunday stays mostly cloudy with highs near the upper 20s. Winds remain steady, keeping wind chills near zero at times. Plan extra travel time and expect reduced traction on secondary roads.
Conditions improve slightly Monday as sunshine returns and highs reach the lower 30s. That brief moderation does not last. Cold nights continue into the first week of February, setting up repeated freeze-thaw cycles that raise the risk for flash freezing after sunset.
Looking ahead toward midweek, temperatures remain below normal while snow chances stay occasional rather than widespread. Winter remains firmly in control across the Quad Cities.
How icy were roads where you drove this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for the Quad Cities (IA–IL)
• Today: Sunny but bitter; highs near 24
• Sunday: Chance snow; highs near 27
• Monday: Mostly sunny; highs near 32
• Tuesday: Partly sunny; highs near 31
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cold; highs near 29
