"FALL" ING TEMPERATURES

For the second day in a row, temperatures Wednesday afternoon were hovering in the mid 70s. Adding to the overall comfort were dew points in the mid to upper 50s, not the type of air mass early August is noted for. The transition started Tuesday when readings were down 25 degrees from what was seen Monday, 24 hours earlier.

That type of dramatic change is rare in early August. To prove my point, I've enlisted the help of a histogram of 24 hour air temperature changes for Davenport, Iowa. What the chart shows are the odds of a temperature change of more than 30 degrees over a year-long period. The frequency of a 25 degree fall (or rise) occurrence in 24 hours is next to zero during early August. This is due to elevated humidity levels, warm soil conditions, and minimal cold air. Hard as it is to do, we managed to accomplish the trick Tuesday. Good for us! Thanks to the Iowa Mesonet for the graphic.

Shockingly, we've not seen the heart of the cool air yet as we await the arrival of a strong upper air disturbance later Thursday. This animation shows an upper air low supporting an unusually cool air mass digging southeast out of Canada the next 72 hours. As a side note, you can also see it absorbing the remnants of former hurricane Debby as it lifts north through the mid-Atlantic.

The implications of this development is a cold front that slips into the Midwest Thursday. Despite its strength, moisture is minimal, which limits precipitation prospects. A few sprinkles may occur, but the front's real calling card will be a band of clouds and a shift to northerly winds. Additionally, the cool air will lag a bit behind the front, resulting in highs that still reach the upper 70s north to low 80s south.

Thursday night, the cool air begins to make inroads, leading to the possibility of record lows Friday and Saturday morning. The GFS shows 850mb temperatures Friday of +6 which is really impressive. For perspective, an 850 temperature of 0 typically is the threshold needed for snow.

The key to how cold it gets Friday and Saturday will be clear skies and light winds. That constitutes maximum radiational cooling, a critical factor when it comes to allowing temperatures to attain the coolest levels possible. The GFS shows readings slipping into the 40s both mornings near and north of I-80. The EURO is a few degrees warmer. Here's what the GFS indicates.

Friday morning lows

Saturday morning lows.

The coldest solution is tied to the 3k NAM, which has readings Saturday morning as low as 43 in Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. That would beat records that go back to 1882 in Dubuque.

Here are the temperatures needed to reach for record lows.

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 days 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 is likely that could restrict sunshine enough to produce highs in the upper 60s in a few spots, especially north. It is possible a couple instability showers or sprinkles could pop up, but for now models are not showing much in that regard. Here's what the EURO and GFS suggest for rain totals Thursday through Sunday. Not much!

The EURO

The GFS

Sunday should be a few degrees warmer, but readings will remain in the 70s and stay there Monday as well.

Slowly but surely the NW flow should relax a bit later next week, allowing temperatures to return to more seasonal levels in the 80s. This is what the EURO 10 day meteogram in Davenport, Iowa looks like out to August 17th. You can see the idea of a warming trend in the 6-10 day period. Shorter term, it appears we are in for a little taste of fall the next few days. Crisp nights and pleasant days will be reminiscent of September. Sounds okay to me. 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?