Iowa/Illinois Weather Update: Cold Today, but a Heatwave Is Around the Corner

If you’ve been wondering when to put the jackets away for good, the Iowa/Illinois Weather Update has some good news—but not just yet. Spotty showers and chilly nights are sticking around through Thursday, with temperatures feeling more like early spring than the edge of summer. But don’t worry—this week’s cold snap won’t last long. A major warm-up is coming, and it could bring some serious summer vibes just in time for the weekend.

What’s Happening Right Now?

This week has started off on a cooler, soggier note. In Iowa, places like Des Moines are seeing cloudy skies and off-and-on showers, keeping daytime highs in the low 60s to low 70s. Nights are especially brisk, with temps dipping into the 50s. Illinois is seeing much of the same—whether you’re in the Chicago area or the Quad Cities, it’s a mix of light rain, wind, and cooler temps.

This weather pattern has folks reaching for extra layers, and some might even be tempted to kick the heat back on at night. While it may feel a bit like a step back into March, it’s a common late spring trend in the Midwest.

Iowa/Illinois Weather Update: Big Change Coming by Friday

Here’s where things turn around. According to the latest Iowa/Illinois Weather Update, meteorologists say we’re just a few days away from a dramatic warm-up. By Friday, high temperatures are expected to rebound into the upper 70s and low 80s across much of both states.

The shift is thanks to a high-pressure system moving into the region late Thursday, which should clear out the clouds and bring in sunnier, drier air. That means better conditions for outdoor plans, backyard barbecues, and everything else that screams “almost summer.”

So, while the rest of the workweek may be grey and a little chilly, don’t get too comfortable in those sweatshirts. By the weekend, we’ll be looking at classic late-May warmth and sunshine. Keep an umbrella handy for now—but maybe keep those sunglasses close, too.

FAQ About Iowa/Illinois Weather Update

1. Seriously—why is it still this cold in late May?
You’re not imagining things—it is unseasonably chilly. What’s happening is a lingering cool front has settled over the region, which is pretty typical for the Midwest this time of year. Spring doesn’t always go quietly here, and it’s not unusual to get these last bursts of cooler weather before summer finally takes hold.

2. When can I finally ditch the jacket?
Hang in there just a little longer! The latest Iowa/Illinois Weather Update says we’re in for a nice warm-up starting Friday. Temps are expected to climb into the upper 70s and even low 80s in some spots—so yes, t-shirts and sunglasses are making a comeback just in time for the weekend.

3. Are we going to get more rain this week?
Yes, but nothing major. Just some spotty showers here and there through Thursday. It might be a little damp in the afternoons or early evenings, but we’re not talking about heavy downpours or stormy weather—just that classic “grab-an-umbrella-just-in-case” kind of week.

4. Can I actually make weekend plans without worrying about the weather?
Absolutely. By the time we hit Friday, things are looking a lot better. Warmer, sunnier, and much more like the kind of weather we want this time of year. So go ahead—make those hiking, grilling, or patio-dining plans. Just keep an eye on any late updates, because, well… it’s still the Midwest.

5. Will it stay warm, or is this just a tease?
Great question—and fair warning: the weather may still throw us a curveball or two in early June. While this weekend’s warm-up looks promising, it’s not a guarantee that we’re done with cool snaps for good. But overall, we’re headed in the right direction toward more consistent summer vibes.