Davenport, IA – An increasingly active weather pattern is expected across eastern Iowa and western Illinois from Thursday night, May 14, through early next week, bringing several rounds of showers and thunderstorms to the Quad Cities region.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, scattered thunderstorms may begin developing late Thursday night into Friday morning, especially south of Interstate 80. Some overnight storms could become strong after midnight.
Forecasters said temperatures will steadily warm heading into the weekend, with highs climbing from the lower and middle 70s Thursday into the 80s Friday through Monday, May 18-19.
The greatest concern centers on repeated thunderstorm chances from Friday night through Monday. Meteorologists said some storms may become severe at times, although uncertainty remains regarding exact timing, storm coverage, and which locations could see the highest severe weather threat.
Large hail and damaging wind gusts are currently considered the primary hazards with any stronger storms. The National Weather Service noted there will also be extended dry periods between rounds of storms despite the active forecast pattern.
Saturday evening through Sunday currently appears to hold one of the better opportunities for stronger thunderstorms across portions of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Clinton, and surrounding communities.
Residents with outdoor plans this weekend are encouraged to closely monitor updated forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially during overnight hours when storms may develop.
Forecasters emphasized that details surrounding the severe weather potential will likely become clearer over the next several days.
