PICK YOUR POISON...

No matter where you live, there are times when the weather is fierce and forceful. In the Midwest, our issues range from blinding blizzards to tornadoes, hailstorms, and derechos, not to mention extreme heat and cold. Hurricanes are one of the few elements of nature we do not face, but for those who live on the coast of the southeastern U.S., that threat is real and a risk that is knowingly taken by those who choose to live there. It's heartbreaking to see the destruction and upheaval that comes with a hurricane, but every year we witness the results. Knowing that the possibility exists, I wonder if it's worth evacuating, stressing, and even experiencing a direct hit when you know your home resides in a vulnerable area. Paradise is great until it isn't. Below you can see the eye of Milton approach Sarasota, the second major hurricane in two weeks to batter NW Florida.

Ironically, while chaos reigned in Florida, the remainder of the nation and much of North America enjoyed sunshine and pleasant weather. It's very evident on the satellite image below. So much so, that it's hard to imagine another part of our nation being so viciously ravaged. We should all be appreciative and grateful for what we have. Our turn will come, and that is why my thoughts and prayers are with those in need tonight, (as well as for the people and resources that are in place to help them). It disgusts me that individuals with power politicize a disaster for personal gain.

RECORD HIGHS AGAIN?

One of the striking facets of our weather Wednesday was not the cloudless skies or warm temperatures, it was the bone dry air that produced a relative humidity of 19 percent in Iowa City. Dry air masses such as this are known to produce significant swings in temperature of up to 40 degrees from morning lows to afternoon highs. For example, Monticello, Iowa went from a low of 39 to a high of 82 Wednesday. Look at the spread between dew points and temperatures the past few days in Monticello. No wonder we haven't seen so much as a cloud.

Thursday will see little in the way of change, with highs again in the upper 70s to low 80s under sunny skies.

The warming gains steam Friday when SW winds ahead of a cold front focus highs well into the 80s. In fact, with dew points only in the 40s, the extreme dry air will be heated to its maximum.

On top of that, an increasing pressure gradient ahead of a cold front will also serve to push highs to the top end of guidance, sending them into the mid to upper 80s. Once again, that implies the possibility of record highs. Here's what the GFS indicates for maximum temperatures Friday.

These are the temperatures needed to achieve record highs in my local area Friday.

Record High Temperatures:

FRIDAY OCTOBER 11th:

Cedar Rapids: 88/1962

Dubuque: 85/1928

Moline: 88/1962

Burlington: 88/1962

The cold front that precedes the summery warmth Friday passes through the region Friday night. The warm air aloft and meager moisture ahead of it leaves little chance for any much-needed showers or thunderstorm. A dry frontal passage is currently expected. Additionally, the shift to northerly winds begins a cooling trend that today looks to be fairly significant. The cool air looks to lag a bit, allowing highs Saturday to remain on the mild side for one more day. Highs will range from the low 70s north to the low 80s south.

A secondary burst of cool air arrives Saturday night that will pack a punch. Brisk NW winds will usher in much colder air that holds highs Sunday to the upper 50s north to the mid 60s south. By Monday, the entire area is enveloped in highs that remain in the 50s. The cold air aloft will drive some clouds and scattered showers as well.

Tuesday morning is a period to watch for what could be frost and freezing temperatures. Assuming the ridge is close enough to diminish winds and provide skies clear, strong radiational cooling results, especially with dew points in the low 20s. So much so that the GFS continues to advertise lows in the upper 20s to low 30s.

The Climate Prediction Center highlights the central Midwest with a frost freeze potential October 15th and 16th.

Beyond that, ridging is once again expected to build, with much warmer air returning the second half of next week. I think beyond that we see some significant temperature fluctuations the remainder of October before colder air settles in come November. Hopefully, by the last week of October, the pattern becomes better for precipitation. Unfortunately, I can't say that with a high level of confidence. However, cold air is building and there are signs the transition to winter is evolving as it should. The EURO extended ensemble mean indicates this for snowfall the week of November 17-24th.

Happy Thursday 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?