Iowa and Illinois — Snow flickers across headlights and loose powder skids over pavement as winter conditions sharpen across the Quad Cities region this morning. What starts as nuisance snow quickly turns disruptive once winds surge later today.
According to the National Weather Service, a Wind Advisory is in effect this afternoon through late evening for eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline. West winds increase to 25–30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. Those winds can create blowing and drifting snow, especially on exposed roads like I-80, I-74, and Highway 38.
Light snow develops at times today into early evening. Accumulations range from 1 to 2 inches north and east of the Quad Cities, with lesser amounts south. Even small totals matter. Visibility may drop suddenly in blowing snow, and slick roads are likely during heavier bursts.
Behind the snow comes a sharper punch. Another Arctic front pushes through later today, opening the door to bitter cold. An Extreme Cold Watch begins late Thursday night and lasts through Saturday morning. Temperatures fall below zero, and wind chills could plunge to near 30 degrees below zero at times. Exposed skin may develop frostbite in under 30 minutes.
Thursday offers a brief pause with some sunshine, but it stays cold. By Friday, daytime highs hover near zero, and the cold lingers into Saturday. Any melting during daylight hours can refreeze quickly after sunset, increasing the risk of flash freezing on untreated surfaces.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook keeps the Quad Cities below normal into late January. Storm systems remain active, meaning winter is far from finished.
Five-Day Outlook for the Quad Cities
- Today: Snow showers, windy, high near 34
- Tonight: Breezy, colder, low near 13
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 27
- Friday: Extreme cold, high near -1
- Saturday: Very cold, slight snow chance, high near 6
