ENOUGH, IS ENOUGH...

Thursday was the 6th consecutive day with an oppressive brand of humidity cloaking the Midwest. Dew points well into the 70s made for heat index values of 95–102 degrees in all but my NE counties. However, the end is near as a cold front brings a much friendlier brand of weather just in time for the holiday weekend. Enough!

Before I put it behind us, I did want to comment on this late surge of heat that prompted the hottest temperatures of the summer only a few days before September. As odd as it may seem, there is climatological evidence showing we usually experience a secondary spike in heat during late August or early September. The graphic below plots the average (4-day warmest temperatures) for the period May through September in Cedar Rapids. The data goes back to the late 1800s and basically shows summer heat peaks around July 14th (shortly after the year's longest days). A gradual decline occurs after that, which reaches its lowest point near August 15th. At that time, instead of continuing to decrease, there is a secondary spike in heat (similar to what we just saw), that occurs around August 27th.

That's pretty interesting since by late August the days have been getting shorter for well over 2 months. In theory, this would make it harder to achieve this secondary spike. The reason for this secondary maximum likely has to do with the juxtaposition of a period that can easily still experience hot temperatures, along with strong solar heating and a small cessation in humidity that can allow further heating. In other words, drier air is more common in late summer, taking advantage of the physical fact, dry air can heat up more than moist air.

Anyway, if you look at August temperatures, this year they closely mirror the long term trend of a warm start to August, followed by a notable decrease mid-month that is followed by another fairly predictable spike to close the month out. One contradictory aspect is that this recent period featured high humidity levels as well, so the aforementioned decrease in moisture is not a necessary requirement for the spike.

CHANGE IS ONGOING...

Thursday's muggy weather allowed strong instability to develop, as evidenced by CAPE that exceeded 4,000 j/kg in my western counties. That's a healthy amount of potential convective energy.

The supercell composite was also impressive over the upper Midwest.

Add to that a cold front and the stage was set for thunderstorms. Strong storms fired along the front in central Iowa into Minnesota and have been progressing SE overnight. Severe weather has been limited, but pockets of heavy rains have occurred in the moisture rich environment ahead of the front. What's left of these storms will depart early Friday, but could be followed by a few additional light showers through midday before dry weather arrives for the rest of the holiday weekend. Highs will still make it into the upper 70s north to low 80s south. Here's what models are suggesting for rainfall from overnight storms and any rain that occurs Friday.

The EURO

The GFS

The 3k NAM

THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Dramatically improved weather is coming for the holiday weekend, with NW flow bringing dry weather, cooler temperatures, and a major drop in humidity. Temperatures start mild near 80 Saturday and eventually turn fall-like Sunday and especially Monday (Labor Day) when readings may not climb out of the low 70s. The EURO meteogram continues to show exceptionally comfortable temperatures over the coming week. This also appears to be a dry period with little if any rain the next 7 days.

Have a safe and tremendous holiday weekend. Summers last hurrah! Where did the time go? 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?