DAVENPORT, Iowa – A chilly late-fall evening is unfolding across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois as rain gradually mixes with wet snow north of Highway 20. The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities reports that surface and pavement temperatures are staying above freezing, helping to limit travel impacts even as flakes begin to fly in higher elevations near Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.
According to the NWS, the transition from rain to a rain/snow mix will continue through mid-evening, with the changeover expected between 6 and 8 p.m. in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and around 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for the Quad Cities. Areas north and west of Dubuque stand the best chance of seeing light accumulations, mainly on grassy or elevated surfaces.
Meteorologists note that roads should remain mostly wet, but bridges and overpasses could briefly slick up where heavier snow bursts occur. Motorists are urged to slow down and allow extra distance for braking, particularly on rural routes and higher terrain north of U.S. 30.
Any snow will taper off before sunrise Sunday, leaving behind damp conditions and colder air. Overnight lows will dip into the lower 30s, followed by highs in the low 40s Sunday under mostly cloudy skies. The brief wintry mix marks the season’s first taste of snow for many in eastern Iowa, though no significant accumulation is expected.
Looking ahead, temperatures will moderate early next week with dry and quiet weather through midweek before another round of rain chances returns late Wednesday.
