Iowa And Illinois Weather Alert Today: Quad Cities Face –20° Wind Chills And Blowing Snow

Iowa and Illinois wake to a punishing winter morning as Arctic air settles over the Quad Cities. Snow skitters over fields, winds whistle through bridges, and cold bites exposed flesh almost instantly.

According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, temperatures are hovering around 5°F early today, with wind chills ranging from -10° to -20° at times. Recent light snowfall combined with strong gusts may result in scattered blowing snow, particularly in rural areas. Even small blasts can dramatically impair visibility.

Travel disruptions are expected today morning and into the afternoon. I-80, I-74, and east-west county highways may become slippery when drifting snow covers icy patches. Due to the prolonged cold, sidewalks and parking lots remain treacherous. Drivers should slow down, increase their following distance, and prepare for abrupt whiteouts. Pedestrians should exercise caution on untreated ground.

Today’s temperatures continue frigid, with highs failing to reach the upper 20s. The winds die down later, but the chill continues. Tonight will be cold, with lows around 14°F, allowing any melting snow to quickly refreeze and increasing the chance of black ice.

Tuesday and Wednesday mark the start of a steady transformation. Fog may form at times Tuesday morning, but sunlight will help temperatures recover to the mid-30s Tuesday and near 40°F Wednesday. Meteorologists refer to this as an early winter transition, with strong temperature changes becoming increasingly prevalent in December.

The focus then shifts to Wednesday night and Thursday. Rain is expected, with highs around 44°F on Thursday. As colder weather returns later, wet roads may refreeze, causing another round of slippery travel during nighttime commutes.

Looking ahead to the weekend, calmer weather returns with seasonable temperatures, although winter stays firmly in charge.

5-Day Forecast for the Quad Cities, IA-IL.