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The warmer temps were nice while they lasted, but now the cold air and wintery conditions return.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for the entire area Thursday because of a strong cold front bringing significant weather changes. This front will blast the area with cold, arctic air and temperatures will fall rapidly as precipitation falls creating some big issues for travel.

Showers are already popping up and according to OurQuadCities.com this will give way to more widespread rain by lunch and eventually turn into sleet and freezing rain by this afternoon. The ground is warm and wet so significant ice accumulations are not likely Thursday evening but as temperatures plummet there is a likelihood that wet spots will freeze overnight. This could cause some very slick spots for untreated roads and sidewalks so use caution Friday morning.

Temperatures will fall all the way into the single digits by Friday morning and will likely stay cool through the majority of the 3rd week of January. The good news is that long range outlooks might give us some hope on the horizon with a warm up late in the week. Be safe and stay off the roads if you don't have to leave the house. Allow extra time to get home from your work commute.

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