GOING UP...

As expected, low temperatures Wednesday morning were at their coldest levels since last spring. Many spots dipped into the 20s, with Dubuque, Davenport, and Waterloo all bottoming out at 24 degrees. Not to be outdone, Steve Gottshalk in Lowden flat-lined at 23, a new record low for them. Stanley, Iowa reported 21. For the vast majority of the region, the 2024 growing season has come to an end.

The NWS in the Quad Cities snapped this image when their official digital thermometer hit 27, well on its way to a low of 24 towards daybreak.

GOING UP...

At least for now, this round of cold weather has pretty much run its course. After another chilly start this morning, readings are expected to rebound significantly in the days ahead as return flow sets up behind the departing high. With deepening low pressure to the west, an impressive pressure gradient gets established that revs up southwesterly winds. You can see the tight gradient in place, driven by a 991 low in Canada and a 1027 high in NE Ohio. The end result is wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph Thursday afternoon.

At the same time, dew points are only in the upper teens to low 20s. That's likely to drop relative humidity values into the range of 15-20 percent.

It's a known fact that dry air heats up rapidly, and highs will surge into the upper 60s (near 70 in my western counties). With dry vegetation and some fields unharvested, the warmth, wind, and dry air will promote a high to extreme wildfire risk, especially west of the Mississippi where winds will be strongest. The NWS has issued a Fire Weather Watch for my far western counties. Further west, a Red Flag Warning is in effect for the rest of Iowa, where extreme fire danger exists.

Similar conditions are expected Friday, only temperatures will be even warmer, with most of the region in the 70-75 degree range. The warm, dry Indian Summer weather continues into next week, with highs likely to remain in the 70s through at least next Tuesday. These are the 5-day temperature departures, Friday through next Tuesday.

RAIN, WHEREFORE ART THOU?

Make no mistake about it, we are in a stretch of dry weather like I haven't seen in some time. Thursday will make it 48 days with just one day of measurable rain in Cedar Rapids, and that was just .05". Look at all the goose eggs since August 31st! By all accounts 4 more days are coming which runs the streak to .05" in 52 days. That is impressive.

The next chance of rain doesn't come until next Tuesday, when what's left of an upper air low lifts out of the southwest. The remnants will be weakening, however there may be just enough forcing and moisture to kick up a few showers. I'm not holding my breath, but that is the next window of opportunity. Something to monitor going forward.

Towards the last few days of October, the pattern does appear to have more rain potential, especially with the MJO expected to enter a wet phase at that time. Colder air may also enter the picture in that time frame. Here's what the GFS and EURO are showing for rainfall the next 2 weeks. Much of the rain falls later in the week 2 period, (if it comes to pass). Here's hoping for the moisture.

The GFS

The EURO

Meantime, a breezy, mild afternoon is expected today with ample sunshine. We'll take it, as if we had a choice. 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?