NEAR RECORD HIGHS!
Before we get to the summery warmth that's expected today, some remarks on the remarkably dry weather of the past few weeks. I'll start with the fact that in Cedar Rapids, going back to August 31st, measurable rain has occurred on only one of the 42 days, and that was a paltry .05". That's a complete shutdown, a feat that's very hard to accomplish!

While the south has done a little better, even there precipitation is far below normal. Here's the rainfall departures since August 31st around Iowa and Illinois. Locally, some spots in EC Iowa are approaching deficits of 5 inches over that 42-day period, with every location at least 3.3 inches below their norms.
IOWA

ILLINOIS

That has rapidly transformed what was a drought free Midwest to one where 75% of the region is now under abnormally dry to moderate and even severe drought. The rapid change is what's known as a flash drought.

Going forward, the overall pattern is not expected to change much from a moisture standpoint, meaning odds are good that dry weather will continue to dominate much of the next 2 weeks. Here's the 8-14 temperature and precipitation outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center.

ON THE ROLLER COASTER...
On the topic of temperatures, we are going on a roller coaster ride the next 5 days, with near record highs in the 80s Friday and lows that could reach the upper 20s Tuesday morning! Friday's warmth is the by-product of sunshine, southwest winds, and extremely dry air. Mixing may not be deep enough to get us the records, but highs into the low to mid 80s still seem like a strong bet.
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
Friday night, a front advances across the region with little fanfare. The GFS tries to scare up a few light showers, but the dryness of the low levels should keep the majority of them aloft and confined to virga. A dry frontal passage is currently expected. Additionally, the shift to northerly winds begins a cooling trend. Initially, 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 perhaps a few scattered showers Sunday night and Monday. If indeed they develop, they appear very light and confined to my NE counties.
Tuesday morning is still being monitored for what could be frost and freezing temperatures. Assuming the ridge is close enough to diminish winds and provide skies clear, strong radiational cooling appears likely, especially with dew points in the low to mid 20s. The GFS remains staunch on lows in the upper 20s to low 30s. At the very least, frost is expected with a freeze a possibility, especially in the north.

The chill, while eye-opening, will not be around for more than 2–3 days. Temperature departures go from this Tuesday.

To this on Friday. The warm-up implies highs again near 80. It's getting late for numbers like that!

The GFS indicates this for temperatures the next 16 days. Note the range from 84 to 29 in the Quad Cities over the length of the period. The transition to winter is slowly but surely underway.

With that, I say enjoy the warmth of summer today, three days from now it's gone with the wind. 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 LOVEDÂ home according to visitors. Check out some of our reviews and get in on the flexible deals we have available below.
Christa-Monument, Colorado
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Phillip-Queensland, Australia
Amazing and thoughtful renovation. Stayed in a piece of history. Great location and modern amenities. Would stay again!
Jill
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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
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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
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William
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Miriam
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Vanessa-Chicago
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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?
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