BEASTLY....

Whew, Monday was a mother! Highs of 93-98 were common, with dew points as high as 82 degrees. That is a wicked combination that drove heat index values up to 110+ as far north as Decorah. Waterloo, Iowa had 98 over 77 at 3:00pm, producing a 114 feel like reading. At the same time, Cedar Rapids only had 93 but still had a 114 heat index thanks to a dew point of 81. Winds were generally in the 10-15 mph range, so not much in the way of relief there. 850mb temperatures (at 5,000 ft.) were in the upper 20s, which is equivalent to the all-time 30-year climatological maximums for late August. And while Monday felt much warmer than the actual record highs, none were actually broken in my area, although Dubuque came within 1 degree. Here are the existing record highs for Monday and Tuesday, which promises to be another sizzler.

These were the 3:00pm heat index readings across the nation Monday. Notice the core of the heat was maxed out over eastern Iowa.

The 500mb upper air heat dome, centered over Missouri, delivered the extreme heat and humidity. Despite the arrival of September in a few days, this set-up resulted in the hottest weather of the entire summer. Des Moines had a high of 99 and Waterloo posted a reading of 98 degrees.

The extremely warm temperatures at 850mb created a staunch CAP that produced nearly cloud free skies and thwarted thunderstorm development under the heat dome, where air was forced to sink. A key ingredient to achieving such levels of warmth.

Tuesday highs will be quite similar, although 850mb temperatures are shown to be a few degrees cooler. Even so, they still remain in the range of 22-25 C from north to south. Along with that, plenty of moisture will remain in place, pooled ahead of a southward sinking outflow boundary from overnight storms in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This could generate some scattered afternoon thunderstorms in the far north if the CAP is breached. Confidence is low on such a scenario, but there will be significant instability with CAPE exceeding 5,000 j/kg. If storms do initiate in the north, they could quickly become severe. Mesocale details regarding the threat will become clearer by noon Tuesday.

For now, SPC does indicate a slight risk assessment of severe thunderstorms in my far northeast counties later Tuesday and Tuesday night.

Before any storms occur, another stifling day is expected Tuesday, with the EURO showing heat index values again reaching 108-112 from north to south. Should the outflow boundary from Monday night's storms up north generate any scattered storms or debris clouds, my far northern counties could remain more in the 100-102 heat index category. I suspect that is wishful thinking.

Once again, major to extreme heat index conditions are expected over the central Midwest. Below is the experimental NWS heat risk outlook for Tuesday. Much of my area is in, (or flirting with), extreme heat related impacts requiring adequate hydration and frequent breaks.

Slowly but surely, the heat dome is expected to be beaten down and forced east Wednesday and Thursday. That means highs in the mid to upper 80s both days. While temperatures will be lower, significant low level moisture hangs on, meaning humidity continues to be a factor. Additionally, thunderstorms are a possibility, especially Thursday into Thursday night. A few strong storms are possible if maximum instability can be maximized.

By Friday, the passage of the front leads to cooler and drier weather for the upcoming holiday weekend. Highs should range from the upper 70s north to the low to mid 80s south. Abundant sunshine and dry conditions look like a good bet for the majority of Labor Day weekend. I like the looks of it! Roll weather....TS

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?