Iowa–Illinois — A soft gray ceiling hangs over the Mississippi River this morning, muting the lights of Davenport and Moline and leaving the riverbanks hazy in the early calm. The air feels unusually mild for mid-November, but this gentle warmth won’t last long. A cooler and more unsettled stretch develops by Monday, right as pre-Thanksgiving travel begins to climb.
Southwest winds strengthen through the morning, pushing across open farmland and tapping the upper 60s by midday. Gusts may reach 25 mph, making bridges and exposed stretches of I-80 and I-74 a bit tricky for higher-profile vehicles. Residents should secure trash bins, outdoor décor, and early holiday inflatables before the winds shift northwest later.
Sun returns on Sunday with cooler, crisp air and a high in the lower 50s. Light breezes sweep leaves across sidewalks, offering perfect conditions for yard cleanup or early holiday errands. To be fair, it’s a pleasant late-fall day, but models continue to hint at a quick pattern change as moisture rebuilds to the southwest.
Monday becomes the pivot point. Clouds thicken, winds lighten, and a 70% chance of rain arrives by evening. Streets may turn slick during the commute, and temperatures fall enough to create a Winter Tease—not a snow threat yet, but a clear sign that colder systems loom as Thanksgiving week approaches. Anyone traveling early next week should monitor updates, especially if timing shifts faster.
Tuesday brings partly sunny skies and highs near 50°F, but midweek disturbances could reignite rain chances and introduce colder, gustier air.
Five-Day Outlook — Quad Cities (IA/IL)
Sunday: Sunny, cooler.
Monday: Partly sunny, rain likely at night.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, seasonal.
Wednesday: Rain chance returns.
Thursday: Rain likely, breezy.
