Illinois and Iowa wake up to biting cold and pockets of fog drifting along river valleys and highways. Headlights glow against the haze near the Mississippi, and visibility changes block by block across the Quad Cities.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, patchy fog is possible this morning, especially north of Interstate 80 and west of the Mississippi River. Where temperatures remain below freezing, freezing fog may form. That can create slick spots on bridges, ramps, and untreated roads during the morning commute.
Conditions gradually improve later today as sunshine returns and temperatures climb into the mid-30s. Even so, drivers should remain cautious in shaded areas where frost and ice linger.
Attention then turns to a stronger system arriving late Wednesday night into Thursday. Rain chances increase early Thursday, with wet roads developing during the morning and afternoon. While snowfall accumulation looks minimal, timing matters as colder air follows quickly.
The bigger concern arrives Thursday into Thursday night. Meteorologists are tracking a powerful storm system that may bring strong to potentially damaging winds across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. Wind gusts could reach or exceed 40 mph, especially in open areas and along east-west roadways.
High-profile vehicles on I-80, I-74, and the Rock Island and Davenport bridges may experience difficult travel. Loose outdoor items should be secured, and holiday decorations may need reinforcement.
Temperatures fall sharply Thursday night, dropping into the single digits by Friday morning. Any lingering moisture could refreeze, increasing black ice risk before sunrise.
Friday turns colder but calmer, with sunshine returning. The weekend looks quieter overall, with seasonable December cold and highs near the low 40s Saturday.
This is a classic early-winter setup: fog, thaw, wind, then freeze. Travelers should plan ahead as Christmas travel season ramps up.
5-Day Outlook for the Quad Cities
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 40
- Thursday: Rain, windy, high near 43
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 32
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 42
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 33
