Iowa and Illinois wake up to a hard February chill along the Mississippi River. Temperatures sit at 25 degrees at the Quad Cities Airport, and wind chills dip to 17. The air feels crisp, and frost clings to rooftops and windshields.
Sunshine dominates today, helping highs rebound to 48 degrees. That quick swing from the mid-20s to near 50 will melt leftover frost fast. Pavement turns damp by afternoon, especially in shaded neighborhoods of Davenport, Rock Island, and Moline.
Temperatures fall back to around 31 tonight as clouds increase. Any moisture left on roads could refreeze after dark. This is classic flash-freeze season across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Use caution on bridges along I-74 and I-80 late tonight and early tomorrow.
Thursday brings a slight 20 percent chance of rain before noon. Highs reach near 50 as skies gradually turn sunnier. No snow is expected, and temperatures stay well above freezing during the day.
Friday warms to 54 under bright sunshine. Valentine’s Weekend, February 13-15, looks even milder. Saturday reaches 55 with mostly sunny skies. Sunday pushes near 57, continuing the spring tease across the Quad Cities region.
Early next week trends even warmer. Highs climb into the upper 50s Monday and low 60s by Tuesday. Longer-range outlooks show above-average temperatures expanding across much of the central U.S., with readings running 10 to 20 degrees above normal.
For now, winter still owns the mornings. Dress in layers and watch for slick spots after sunset. Are you noticing that afternoon thaw in your neighborhood yet?
Five Day Outlook for the Quad Cities (Davenport IA / Moline IL):
Today: Sunny, high 48.
Thursday: Slight chance of rain early, high 50.
Friday: Sunny, high 54.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 55.
Sunday: Sunny, high 57.
