Right now, if you step outside in Fort Madison, you're going to feel it. That bite. The temperature is sitting at exactly 14°F, but honestly, the "feels like" is much worse. We are looking at a wind chill of -2°F. It’s the kind of cold that makes you regret leaving the house without the heavy-duty parka.
The wind is coming in from the west at 16 mph, which is pretty standard for this stretch of the Mississippi. We’ve got a thick layer of clouds overhead. There’s a 10% chance of snow right this second, though it feels like it could start any minute.
What is happening with the Fort Madison weather forecast this week?
If you’re planning your week, don’t put the shovel away just yet. Today, Saturday, January 17, we’re expecting light snow with a high of 14°F and a low of 10°F. There is a 20% chance of snow during both day and night.
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Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things get a bit bipolar. The high jumps up to 28°F, which might sound "warm" compared to today, but the low is going to bottom out at 4°F. We’re still looking at a 20% chance of light snow with winds picking up to 19 mph from the southwest.
Monday is basically a deep freeze. High of 13°F, low of 3°F. If you’ve got errands, do them while the sun is out because we’re expecting snow at night.
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The mid-week outlook
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Cloudy with a high of 30°F and a low of 11°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Partly sunny, high of 31°F, low of 16°F.
- Thursday, Jan 22: High of 29°F, low of 16°F, mostly cloudy.
- Friday, Jan 23: High of 28°F, low of 11°F, partly sunny.
The Mississippi River "Microclimate" factor
People always ask why the Fort Madison weather forecast seems so different from what they see in Burlington or Keokuk. It’s the river. Being tucked right into that bend of the Upper Mississippi does weird things to the local air.
The humidity is currently at 58%, but it fluctuates wildly because of the moisture coming off the water. Historically, January in Fort Madison is the coldest month of the year. Our average high is usually around 33°F, which makes this current 14°F stretch feel like a real slap in the face.
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The wind is the real killer here. Because the terrain is relatively flat around the river basin, those west and northwest winds have nothing to stop them. They just barrel through town.
Survival tips for this Arctic blast
Honestly, it’s not just about the temp; it’s about the wind. When the wind hits 16-19 mph like it's doing this weekend, exposed skin can get frostbitten way faster than you’d think.
- Check your tires: Cold snaps like this cause tire pressure to drop instantly. If your "low air" light came on this morning, that's why.
- Pipe protection: With lows hitting 3°F and 4°F over the next 48 hours, keep those cabinet doors open under your sinks.
- Pet safety: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Salt on the sidewalks can also tear up their paws, so keep the walks short.
Looking further out into next weekend, it looks like more snow showers are on the horizon for Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25. Temperatures will stay in the mid-teens. Basically, winter has finally decided to show up in full force.
Your next steps: Make sure your car’s emergency kit is stocked with a blanket and a shovel before Monday’s overnight snow, and double-check your furnace filters to ensure your heating system isn't overworking during these single-digit nights.