HARD TO BELIEVE!

Just for the heck of it, let me start you out with this. It's a map of the snow that fell on October 29th, 2019 (just 5 years ago yesterday).

If that wasn't enough, another disturbance followed a similar track, dumping up to 7 more inches of snow October 31st.

Between the two systems, much of EC Iowa picked up 6–10 inches of the white stuff. Trick or treaters were wearing boots.

I bring this up to reinforce how spectacular Tuesday was. Instead of the several inches of snow and cold like we had 5 years ago on the 29th, this year we had highs in the low to mid 80s. Most of us were within a degree or two of records. Moline and Cedar Rapids did tie their record of 84 both set in 1937. Tuesday's readings were 50 degrees warmer than those of 2019! Just look at that surge of summery weather.

The last time 80° was reached this late in the year in the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids was Oct 29, 2004. Even more impressive was the 82° high in Dubuque. It was not a record, but it was the latest 80 degree reading since 1950. Only three years in the 150-year temperature records of Dubuque has 80° been reached this late in the fall! Below, you can see the 500mb jet stream forcing the warmth into the middle of the nation.

In blue, you can see the dominance of low pressure over the central U.S. That promoted strong SW surface winds, a key ingredient in Tuesday's warmth.

The wind, combined with dry fall vegetation, made for a high wildfire danger. The NWS issued a red flag warning to alert individuals of the risk of open burning.

Even so, a potent fire took off near West Liberty late Tuesday afternoon. The resulting smoke plume can be seen on this Doppler radar image from the NWS around 4:20 in the afternoon. As far as I know, impacts from the blaze were minimal to structures.

We've got another toasty day on the way Wednesday with highs expected to range from the upper 70s NW to the low 80s SE. That should keep most areas 2–5 degrees below existing records. One of the negatives for even warmer readings are increasing clouds and potentially some spotty showers late in the day, especially NW as a wave of energy approaches from the west. I don't look for much, as it will take some time for the atmosphere to saturate.

As I mentioned yesterday, models have been trending NW with the attendant surface low, and it's becoming clear that the heavier rains will most likely occur over the NW part of my area when the primary forcing comes through Wednesday night and early Thursday. That said, there is some decent moisture and enough convergence is expected along and behind the advancing cold front for showers and a few thunderstorms in most areas. We'll need to watch the mesocale details evolve during Wednesday afternoon to see where the heavier rain bands evolve, but it sure looks like my NW counties are favored for the more substantial amounts of an inch or more. Here's what models are now suggesting for rain totals through early Thursday.

The GFS

The EURO

THE 3k NAM

The HRRR

Rain comes to an end early Thursday, (Halloween day), and by evening we are back to dry but noticeably colder weather. Trick or treaters can expect temperatures in the range of 44-50 Thursday evening, with wind chills pushing the upper 30s. That mummy outfit might be a good choice.

Following a cool but dry day in the 50s Friday, another system gets kicked out of the mean trough over the west just in time for the weekend. That brings a renewed threat of rain later Saturday into Sunday. Temperatures will be no better than the 50s and 60s. By then we are in an active pattern that features regular rain chances. Odds are strong that we will get some much-needed moisture back into our ground before any winter frost gets deep into the soil....my gift to my farming friends. Here's what the EURO and GFS indicate for rain over the 2-week period ending November 13th. Some very healthy numbers, I might add!

The EURO

The GFS

That's the latest and greatest for now. Time to turn on the rain machine. 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?