First Thunderstorms of the Year Possible In The Quad Cities

Spring may still be a few weeks away, but the Quad Cities could soon hear its first rumbles of thunder for the year.

A Warmer Pattern Sets the Stage

After a stretch of cloudy and gloomy weather, temperatures are expected to warm up heading into the end of the week. Meteorologists say highs could climb into the lower 70s by Friday, which is unusually warm for early March in the region.

That warmer air will help create the right ingredients for storm development. When warm, moist air collides with cooler air moving into the region, it can trigger showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters say this setup could lead to rounds of storms developing across the area as the week wraps up.

Storms Possible Friday Evening

The current forecast suggests the best chance for thunderstorms will arrive Friday evening and continue overnight as a line of storms moves west to east across the Quad Cities region. Some storms could become strong as the system moves through.

Because of that potential, meteorologists have already highlighted Friday as a First Alert Day, meaning the weather could become impactful for residents in the area.

A Reminder That Severe Weather Season Is Near

The possible storms are also a reminder that the severe weather season is quickly approaching in the Midwest. As March begins, meteorologists encourage residents to stay weather-aware and have a plan in place if storms become severe.

For now, forecasters say the weekend may turn drier after the storms pass, but Quad Cities residents should keep an eye on the sky as the year’s first thunderstorm chances roll in.