Davenport, IA — An early-season surge of Arctic air is sweeping across eastern Iowa and western Illinois, causing temperatures to drop sharply and pushing wind chills into dangerous territory by Thursday morning.
Extreme Early-December Cold Grips the Region
The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities reports that “lows between 5 and 10 degrees below zero” are expected across much of eastern Iowa, with some areas in the northeast dropping even further. When combined with northwest winds near 5 mph, the NWS warns that “wind chills between 10 and 20 below zero” will impact millions across the region.
Affected communities include Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Davenport, Muscatine, Iowa City, Rock Island, Moline, and Freeport.
Forecasters emphasize that this event is highly unusual for the season, noting that “this is unusually cold for early December” and could challenge or even break record lows for December 4.
What’s Causing the Dangerous Conditions
A strong Arctic high-pressure system has pushed deep into the Midwest, delivering temperatures far below seasonal averages. Clear skies overnight are enhancing radiational cooling, allowing readings to plunge well below zero.
NWS meteorologists caution that wind chills approaching “minus 20 degrees” may cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Areas Likely to See the Worst Cold
Regions along and north of Interstate 80 are expected to face the most intense cold, while northeast Iowa may see even lower overnight readings due to ideal cooling conditions.
Safety Measures Residents Should Follow
With wind chills reaching extreme levels, emergency officials urge residents to take immediate precautions:
- Limit time outdoors during early morning hours
- Wear multiple layers and cover exposed skin
- Bring pets indoors
- Prepare vehicles for extreme cold
- Check on neighbors, older adults, and those without reliable heat
Local officials note that the early timing of this cold blast can catch people off guard, stressing that “caution is advised for anyone traveling or working outside early Thursday.”
When Will the Cold Ease
Temperatures will begin to rebound later in the day, but highs will remain below freezing. The cold pattern is expected to persist into the weekend, keeping the region in a prolonged chill.
Conclusion
Eastern Iowa and western Illinois are bracing for a rare and dangerous early-December cold snap, with temperatures and wind chills far below normal. Residents should stay alert, stay warm, and follow National Weather Service updates for any additional safety notices.
Stay Updated
Monitor the latest NWS advisories, check local alerts regularly, and make cold-weather preparations to stay safe during this Arctic outbreak.
