MOLINE, Illinois — Weather observations are an important part of the forecast process, and lucky for us, we have several to choose from here in the immediate Quad Cities. The official weather observation station for the Quad Cities has a long, storied history, but that's the subject of this "Ask Andrew" segment.
Mary L. from Milan, Illinois, asked, "Which airport is the official weather station for the QC and why?"
Let's dig in!
According to Brian Pierce with the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, the Moline weather observation station has had an interesting history.
"Following World War II, the concept of a regional airport was taking form. Illinois communities felt that Moline, with an airport in place and growing, was ideally suited to serve as a Class IV air carrier airport," Pierce said. "Davenport, Iowa, was developing a new airport north of town at Mount Joy, which the city wanted to be designated the region's primary airport. Several years of cross-river community bickering, engineering studies, and hearings before the Civil Aeronautics Administration finally ended in the awarding of Class IV status to the Moline field. Helping save Moline's bid was the Illinois Airport Authority Act, which had authorized the creation of local airport authorities with separate taxing and bonding powers."
In short, Moline is host to the larger airport, the Quad Cities International Airport, so, it makes sense that the official weather observation site would be located there.
Some past history involving the official Quad Cities weather observation station includes the following:
1871: First National Bank Building at Second and Main Streets in Davenport, Iowa
1890: Masonic Temple at Third and Main Streets in Davenport, Iowa
1896: Post Office building at Fourth and Perry Streets in Davenport, Iowa
1939: Weather observations begin at the Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois.
Have a question you'd like me to answer? Click here!
Watch more "Ask Andrew" segments on News 8's YouTube channel
