Quad Cities, IA/IL – Very wet, humid, and unusually warm weather dominated July 2025, leading to record-breaking rainfall and soaring temperatures across Iowa and northwest Illinois. Rain totals topped 9 inches in many locations, especially along and south of I-80, disrupting travel and daily routines for thousands.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities, temperatures this July ran 1.5 to 4 degrees above average, making for sweltering days and muggy nights across the region. Rainfall totals reached 200–300% of normal, pushing Burlington and Cedar Rapids to their fifth-wettest July on record, and Dubuque to ninth-wettest. Several climate sites even shattered daily precipitation records.
Burlington, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids faced frequent street flooding, washed-out rural roads, and swollen rivers, while the extra heat drove up cooling costs and strained local utilities. Areas south of I-80 experienced the heaviest rain, with repeated storms leading to delays for drivers and flash flood warnings. Officials urged residents to avoid flooded roadways, keep storm drains clear, and prepare for power outages.
With wet ground and steamy air lingering, the National Weather Service advises continued caution as more rounds of showers could develop into August. Watch for updated advisories in the days ahead.
