A sharp cold front is sweeping across Iowa and Illinois this Thanksgiving weekend, leaving sub-freezing temperatures and gusty winds in its wake. If you’re planning Black Friday shopping or travel along I-80, bundle up and prepare for icy wind chills.
Friday’s high in the Quad Cities is expected to reach only 26°F, with northwest winds gusting up to 20 mph. Tonight, temperatures will plunge to 14°F, making roads slick and increasing the risk of frostbite for those outdoors too long.
Looking ahead, Saturday promises sunny skies but temperatures will remain cold, with highs hovering around 27°F. If you’re heading to local attractions or visiting family, ensure vehicles are equipped with winter safety kits.
The sunny trend continues into Sunday and Monday, offering slightly warmer temperatures (28-30°F), but early-morning lows will stay in the teens. Gusty winds throughout the weekend could exacerbate travel conditions, especially along open stretches of highways like I-74 and U.S. 61.
What You Can Do:
• Avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, especially during nighttime hours when wind chills are dangerously low.
• Stay informed about road conditions through local traffic updates.
• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
Local authorities advise caution, especially for holiday travelers navigating busy routes like I-80 and I-74. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend!
