Quad Cities, IA/IL – Skies are gray and winds brisk across the region this morning as a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect for eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities says steady snow will arrive by early afternoon, continuing into the evening and tapering toward midnight.
By the time the system exits early Friday, 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected for most areas, with isolated spots near 5 inches—especially along the I-80 and I-74 corridors. Roads will become slick and snow-covered, with visibility dropping fast during heavier bursts. Commuters are urged to slow down and allow extra travel time, especially during the evening rush.
Temperatures will hold in the mid-20s today before plummeting into the single digits Friday night. As Arctic air rushes in, wind chills between -20°F and -30°F are expected by late Saturday into early Sunday. Frostbite could occur within minutes of exposure in open air, particularly with gusty northwest winds.
Saturday brings a brief break with lingering flurries, then sunshine returns Sunday—but with brutal cold. By Monday, highs recover into the upper 20s before climbing near freezing by midweek.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high 26°F, light wind.
- Saturday: Snow likely early, high 10°F, low -10°F.
- Sunday: Sunny but frigid, high 4°F, low -6°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 28°F, low 12°F.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, high 36°F.
