Davenport, IA – The Midwest is preparing for another reinforcing winter system set to bring snow back across Iowa on Thursday, with impacts extending east into northwest Illinois. While exact snowfall totals are still being refined, confidence is increasing that most of Iowa will see accumulating snow, especially as colder air settles firmly into the region.
Ahead of the system, parts of Iowa may experience quieter or milder conditions earlier in the week, but by late Wednesday night into Thursday, colder air advancing from the northwest will support snow developing across much of the state. Cities including Des Moines, Ames, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque are all likely to see snow at some point Thursday.
Snow is expected to expand eastward into northwest Illinois, impacting areas such as Rockford, Freeport, Galena, and along the Interstate 88 corridor. While snowfall rates are not expected to be extreme, the coverage and duration of snow raise concerns for slick roads, slushy accumulation, and reduced visibility, particularly during the Thursday morning and afternoon commute.
The primary concern is the timing of snow onset combined with falling temperatures. Any moisture remaining on roadways from earlier in the week could refreeze, allowing even light snowfall to create hazardous travel conditions. Gusty winds developing behind the system may also contribute to blowing snow, especially in open rural areas.
Snow may taper later Thursday night, but cold temperatures will linger, allowing icy spots to persist into early Friday. Residents and travelers are urged to monitor updates closely, as small shifts in storm strength or track could affect snowfall amounts and impact levels across Iowa and northwest Illinois.
