CLEARED FOR A COOL DOWN...

Sizzling, and in some cases, first of its kind heat has roasted the region the past 3 days. Not only was this the warmest weather of the summer so far, the heat broke a record in Moline Tuesday with a high of 98 degrees! In fact, the day started with a record low of 75 before busting the 1976 record of 97. The 98 degree high was the latest for a temperature of that magnitude since September 9th 2013 (99 degrees).

Dubuque also got in on the act, tying its record of 94 previously set 129 years ago (1895)! Burlington with 96 missed its record by 1 degree, and Cedar Rapids with a 94 missed its mark by 3 degrees. Of course, there was humidity, enough to generate dangerous heat indexes that reached 110 from I-80 south. Bad as it was, some places Monday (especially in the north) were even worse, with Vinton peaking at 117 and Cedar Rapids 115.

With Tuesday's heat came plenty of instability, with CAPE (convective available potential energy) soaring to 6,000 j/kg in Illinois southeast of the Quad Cities.

Early evening Tuesday, the lifted index in SE Iowa and WC Illinois was pegged at 15. The lifted index is a way of measuring the amount of atmospheric instability and the potential there is for convection that might lead to severe weather.

A LI of -8 implies a very unstable atmosphere with extreme instability. -14 is tremendously robust.

In Tuesday's case, shear was not sufficient for tornadoes, but other parameters were ripe for Microbursts. A microburst is a small, localized column of sinking air, or downdraft, within a thunderstorm that's less than 2.5 miles in diameter and lasts only 2–5 minutes. Microbursts can produce strong, outward-bursting winds at the surface, and can be accompanied by significant precipitation. They can cause extensive damage and be life-threatening, especially to aviation. Tuesday, microburst index was at 11 from the Quad Cities southeast. An index of 9 infers that microbursts are "likely". These values are conditional upon the existence of a storm

For much of the day Tuesday, storms were suppressed by a warm layer of air aloft known as a CAP. Finally, an outflow boundary (a mini cold front spawned by decaying thunderstorms) broke the CAP in my far southern counties. In a matter of 30 minutes the extreme instability shown above was realized, and a storm went from a shower to a 60,000 ft. thunderstorm (over 11 miles high). That's a beast.

Aside from locally strong winds, the storms that fired produced locally heavy pockets of rain, with 1-3 inch+ totals in spots from far SE Iowa northeast towards Chicago. Here's what the storms looked like around 8:15 Tuesday evening, stretched along the outflow boundary, which is now more of a weak cool front.

Unfortunately, the rains largely missed my northern counties, continuing the theme of dry weather in that area. Here in Dubuque, we've had measurable rain on only 4 days the entire month of August. The monthly total of .89 inches is far below the norm of 4 inches. My yard is fried.

COOLER, BUT STILL A TAD MUGGY

Wednesday, the outflow boundary remains close to my southern counties as it turns nearly Stationary. The threat of scattered showers and thunderstorms remains, especially south of I-80. A sun cloud mix and a light northerly wind should restrict highs to the mid 80s. Dew points will be lower, but still appreciable in the upper 60s north to low to mid 70s south.

A strong trough approaches Thursday that promises a better chance of showers and storms for the entire area late Thursday into Friday morning. Moisture remains plentiful with dew points near 70. That combined with highs in the mid to perhaps upper 80s should create sufficient instability and CAPE for widespread coverage. Hopefully we can settle the dust in most areas by Friday morning. Here's what the EURO and GFS suggest for rainfall between Wednesday morning and Friday morning.

The EURO

The GFS

Heading into the Labor Day weekend, the heat dome is squashed and the upper air flow features NW flow. The brings a much friendlier air mass for the holiday, highlighted by much less humidity and comfortable temperatures.

Look at the meteogram for the Quad Cities going forward the next 10 days. That's some fine looking weather that is generally dry and resembles early September. I like it. Make those holiday weekend plans outdoors.

Well, there you have it. I suspect this is it for intense heat and humidity like we just saw for many months to come. Like always, we made it through to the other side. Happy hump day and 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?