A NIP IN THE AIR...

A September like air mass is spilling into the upper Midwest as the region gets set to embrace the possibility of 40 degree lows for the first time in months. This early taste of fall is the product of an upper air low that spins across the Great Lakes the next 48 hours. You can see the vorticity centered over Lake Superior Saturday evening that delivers the cool air.

While the cold air won't be a permanent feature for us, it does mean business up north, with the EURO weeklies showing the snowpack building from the North Pole south to the Arctic Circle through mid-September. A modified piece of that chilly air is what finds its way to the Midwest this weekend.

To give some perspective on how fresh this air is, here are the temperature departures for Friday.

These are average 5-day departures Friday-Tuesday. An impressive length of time to see readings that cool over a 5-day period.

These are the NBM forecast temperatures through next week (National Blend of Models). What a line-up of comfortable temperatures.

Record lows continue to be a possibility Saturday morning. Upper 40s to low 50s are expected Friday morning. Saturday morning may be colder with the ridge directly overhead. Widespread lows of 45-50 are looking likely. Here's what the GFS shows.

Friday morning lows

Saturday morning lows.

Once again today, the coldest solutions are shown on the 3k NAM. These may be a bit aggressive and are the worst case solution as far as cold is concerned. Take a look.

Saturday morning lows 3k NAM

Here are the existing records that need to be attained Friday and Saturday to set any records.

FRIDAY AUGUST 9th

Dubuque 46,1927

Cedar Rapids 43,1927

Moline 47,1884

Burlington 50,1972

SATURDAY AUGUST 10th

Dubuque 48,1882

Cedar Rapids 47,1924

Moline 50,1884

Burlington 51,1917

Highs both Friday and Saturday should be in the low (to perhaps mid 70s) far south. The amount of afternoon cloud cover that develops will be the deciding factor. With temperatures aloft as cold as they are, afternoon cumulus development is likely that could restrict sunshine enough to produce highs in the upper 60s in a few spots, especially north.

For the most part, the NW flow prevails much of next week, although it deamplifies some with time. We should be far enough into the dry air to hold any meaningful precipitation at bay until next Friday, although there is a chance of a few shows Monday, mainly in my southwest counties. Here's what the EURO is showing for rainfall through next Thursday. A nice stretch of minimal wet weather if it holds.

Well, the air conditioner is off at my place (it has been for 2 days) and I'm hoping to keep it off the through the majority of next week. Maybe I'll need the heater if we get into those 40s. That's a joke, but it may be close a couple mornings! Have a terrific Friday and roll weather...

PEOPLE LOVE IT. OUR AIRBNB IS A MOST LOVED GUEST FAVORITE!

ANOTHER 5-STAR REVIEW....thanks Myriam

AIRBNB has rated my renovated church in Galena A GUEST FAVORITE, A MOST LOVED home according to visitors. Check out some of our reviews and get in on the flexible deals we have available below.

Christa-Monument, Colorado

The Little White Church is amazing!!!! Pictures do not do it justice. I would absolutely recommend it to my friends and family. It is just so unique. Carolyn is an amazing host and super responsive. I would give our experience 6 out of 5 stars if I could.

Phillip-Queensland, Australia

Amazing and thoughtful renovation. Stayed in a piece of history. Great location and modern amenities. Would stay again!

Jill

The Little White Church is beautiful. The decorations are perfect, and it was redone with impeccable taste. Carolyn was a great host.

Brent

Such a gem. Relaxing in the countryside in a historic church that was beautifully decorated and recently renovated was exactly what we experienced. Everyone loved our stay, and we will be back!!!

Leigh

Beautiful and unique. We were all captivated by the adorable chapel turned AIRBNB

Jenny-Frisco, Texas

It was a magical place for our family to celebrate Christmas!

Kelly

What a gem! The Little White Church exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect spot to meet up with another couple to relax and explore nearby Galena. We enjoyed the beautiful great room with its fireplace and amazing views of the rolling countryside. (The photos simply can't do it justice). The charming church/home was quiet, well appointed and clean. And Carolyn was proactive with instructions and a terrific communicator. We will definitely be back!

John

Absolutely incredible! Loved the tranquility and the beautiful views. The decor was so inviting. AND the bell tower works!! Would 100% stay here again!

Tori-Cedar Falls

This place is so beautiful! Carolyn and Terry were so thoughtful and kind to let us have our wedding at the church. They even provided extra supplies in case we needed them. The private garden worked perfectly for our ceremony, and the backyard easily fit our reception needs. Not to mention, the balconies make perfect photo spots! My husband and I recommend the Little White Church and will be telling all our friends about it.

Mahesh-Buffalo Grove

Carolyn was a great host, very flexible! The place is super clean, spacious with a private backyard overlooking the fields and bluffs! We spent a lot of time on the deck. Great kitchen, clean bedrooms and baths. Highly recommend the place.

William

Great place. Great host. Will definitely book again and tell our friends.

Miriam

Carolyn and Terry's place is BEAUTIFUL! The Little White Church is a wonderful place, way more beautiful than the pictures. Everything is brand new and extremely clean. Staying at the church was a unique experience and I would love to come back soon. I strongly recommend the place if you are looking for a 5-star location!

Vanessa-Chicago

Carolyn was great! Absolutely beautiful place! I would not hesitate to go back. We spent Thanksgiving and the next night. Very well stocked and above and beyond with extras included. Thank you!

MAKE US AN OFFER...

What about pricing? Right now, we are able to offer you our best pricing ever. We have 3 nights for the price of 2 which, depending on the days, can save as much as $300-$400 dollars. If you book directly through us, you can also eliminate booking fees and taxes that the big chains charge. Cleaning fees are also drastically reduced. It all adds up to exceptional deals at a destination worth visiting. Let us assist in finding a time and price that works for you. Here's a link to some pictures. https://www.tswails.com/galena-airbnb

Carolyn and I will do all we can to make sure your stay is a memorable one. Please call or text Carolyn for more details and options and get a prime date while they are still available. Again, that's Carolyn at 563-676-3320. Or carolynswettstone@yahoo.com

Now that it's vacation season, there is no better place to visit than Galena and no better place to stay than my newly renovated AIRBNB, the Little White Church. We are located in the bluffs, just 5 miles from the 2nd largest tourism destination in Illinois. In fact, "Tourist Destination", rated Galena as the 2023 top place to visit in the entire Midwest.

Now is the best time to enjoy all there is to offer, and my 5-star AIRBNB is the perfect location to stay. Set in the rolling hills just outside of town, our completely renovated church is designed for you to unwind and relax.

Again, we are an AIRBNB Super host and can accommodate up to 8 guests. We've got cable, hi-speed WIFI, Sirius XM and a sparkling full kitchen. We are a home away from home and take great pride in cleanliness and comfort. All of our ratings have attained perfect 5-star status!

Hope to see you soon,

Terry and Carolyn

7 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT GALENA

1. It’s Steeped In History

2. It’s Home To One Of The Best Main Streets In America

3. The Restaurants Are Amazing

4. There’s A Lot To Do Outdoors

5. You Don’t Have To Travel To The Mountains To Go Skiing

6. It’s A Great Place To Spend The Fourth Of July

7. Did I Mention The Shopping?