Arctic Freeze Slams the Quad Cities With Subzero Wind Chills as 1–2 Inches of Snow Targets Illinois–Iowa Late Saturday
DAVENPORT, IOWA — An intense December chill is gripping the Quad Cities this morning, slicing across the Mississippi River with temperatures near 8°F and wind chills plunging to –15°F. Skies may be clear, but the Arctic air mass dominating Illinois and Iowa is bringing mid-January conditions to early December — and more winter weather is on the way before the weekend ends.
Subzero Wind Chills Persist Through Early Friday
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, subzero wind chills between 10° and 25° below zero will hold steady through early Friday. Residents across Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding communities should expect:
- Risk of frostbite within minutes on exposed skin
- Icy patches on rural roads and shaded areas
- Bitter morning commutes as temperatures struggle to recover
Friday will be mostly sunny but still cold, with highs topping out near 30°F.
1–2 Inches of Snow Possible Saturday Evening
The next change arrives Saturday evening, when a quick-moving disturbance brings a 50% chance of light snow. Current projections show 1–2 inches of accumulation, especially along:
- Davenport & Bettendorf
- Moline & Rock Island
- I-80 and I-74 travel corridors
Even light accumulations could cause slick roads, reduced visibility, and flash freezing on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces as temperatures fall back into the teens.
Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra stopping distance, especially during evening travel.
Cold but Brighter Sunday Before Another Arctic Push Next Week
Sunday brings cold sunshine with highs near 21°F, followed by another frigid night across the Quad Cities. While Monday brings a bit more moderation, morning lows will remain punishingly cold.
Meteorologists note the possibility of another Arctic surge between December 11–17, with long-range models hinting at heavier snow potential across the Upper Midwest — a crucial stretch as holiday travel ramps up.
Five-Day Outlook for Quad Cities (IA–IL)
Thursday: Sunny, high 14°F, low 6°F, wind chills –15°F
Friday: Mostly sunny, high 31°F, low 21°F
Saturday: 50% snow chance, high 29°F, low 13°F
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 21°F, low 2°F
Monday: Partly sunny, high 25°F, cold early
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