THE END OF THE LINE...

We've had a remarkable run of comfortable temperatures lately, with highs 8 of the last 17 days remaining in the 70s at the NWS office in the Quad Cities. Only 1 day was above 82, and even that was tolerable at 85 degrees. We’ve got one more day to go before late August heat takes another swipe at the Midwest.

As you can see, the EURO is pretty bullish on the idea of a big warm-up, with highs in the Quad Cities shown in the 90s for 3 consecutive days starting Monday. In fact, if the model verifies (still to be determined), the 94 shown Tuesday would be the hottest temperature of the entire summer. So far, the highest reading has been 92 on June 17th.

We are rapidly approaching the point where extreme heat, (highs of 90 to 100 degrees plus), are harder and harder to achieve thanks to 2 months of shorter days and a lower sun angle. Below, you can see that in Cedar Rapids, the last recorded date of a 100 degree high is September 9th of 2013. The last 90 is October 6th, 1963, and the last 80 November 8th, 1999. Most years, those benchmarks are reached significantly earlier. As you can see in the graphic, we're not likely to experience a 90 degree high once October arrives until the following May.

As I touched on earlier, we are going to see some impactful heat arrive in the area by early next week. The initial signs of its entry will be a big spike in dew points later Saturday. This will also signal the fact strong warm air advection is underway as the low level jet punches into the area. This is likely to set off scattered thunderstorms Saturday night that have the potential to produce localized heavy rain. Some of the storms could linger into Sunday before a strong warm front lifts northeast of the region later in the afternoon.

Once firmly into the warm sector, very warm air aloft will likely CAP any widespread thunderstorm development Sunday night through much of Wednesday. That's not to say a couple storms might not bleed into the north, especially Monday night. However, at this time it appears they should be few and far between during this period and the focus becomes the intense heat and humidity that looks to be coming. Both Monday and Tuesday appear to be chalked full of steam. At least for now, Tuesday is slightly hotter on the EURO, with highs in the low to mid 90s.

Dew points on the EURO are top shelf Tuesday, hovering near 80.

The combination yields heat index values well over 100, some as high as 109! Heat headlines are looking like a given.

The NWS experimental heat risk graphic shows a major risk of heat related impacts in the red shaded areas.

Wednesday is shown to be slightly less hot and humid, but again should be toasty. Finally, a vigorous short wave digs into the Midwest Thursday that brings relief and scattered showers and storms. The effects of the cooler, drier air take a while to get fully established, but highs go from the low 80s next Friday to the mid 70s next Saturday. By then, dew points will be down more than 25 degrees into the lower 50s. That will spell a dramatic end to the muggy weather of early and mid-week.

Over the next week, here's what models are indicating for rainfall totals from any showers and storms that occur during that 7-day period.

The EURO

The GFS

Enjoy this final day of comfortable conditions, the heat will soon be on. Happy Friday and roll weather...

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?