RAIN MAKERS...
More often than not, weather systems generating precipitation occur on a regular basis every 3–4 days in the Midwest. The way our atmosphere is constructed, the westerlies keep systems moving steadily along to create this regularity. Occasionally, we do get blocks to form which dam up the stream, resulting in wet patterns where at some point it rains every day for a week.
What's even rarer, is to get into a situation where the block is in a spot where moisture and storms avoid us and no rain falls for a 2-3 week period. That's the position we have found ourselves in lately. In fact, if no rain has fallen by midnight Thursday, the Cedar Rapids Airport will have gone 20 consecutive days with no rainfall. That is hard to accomplish any time of the year.
Below you can see through September 18th where rain has fallen the past 14 days. There's a distinct swath through the heart of my area where raindrops have been few and far between.
This is the departure accumulated over that 2-week period.
As I've been pointing out the past few days, some subtle changes have been going on that have improved rainfall opportunities, namely the breakdown of the ridge that's blocked rain making systems. Below, you can see disturbance (number 1), that's already brought scattered showers and storms to parts of the area overnight. Lifting northeast, it departs early Friday, leaving us with dry weather the remainder of Friday and much, if not all, the day Saturday.
Later Saturday, disturbance number 2 enters the picture in the form of a slower moving disturbance with better access to forcing and moisture. Occasional showers and a few thunderstorms are likely Saturday night through Sunday night before the rain departs early Monday. It appears the potential is there for a nice rain in many parts of the region that could really use it. In other words, if you missed out Thursday night, you have another good opportunity coming up. Here's what's on the table for possible amounts.
The EURO
The GFS
As for temperatures, very warm readings will continue through Saturday, with highs in the range of 84-89. Conditions will get muggier by Saturday, with dew points on the rise. Sunday and Monday are more of a challenge as clouds and potentially rain cooled air come into play. Daytime readings Sunday may not get out of the upper 60s north, while 70s prevail elsewhere. This will put an end to a 12-day run of highs in the 80s. Monday should also see plenty of clouds, limiting highs again to upper 60s to low 70s, perhaps a bit cooler if clouds are thicker.
Longer range, I'm seeing large discrepancies among models with a potential cut-off low to start October. The degree of blocking aloft and associated phasing issues are causing havoc with models solutions that are inconsistent from one day to the next. It will take some time to see how this is eventually resolved. At least for now, there is a trend for cooler and somewhat unsettled conditions to start October. Time will tell.
I'm signing off a happy camper as a thunderstorm just passed through my place in Dubuque, dumping nearly an inch of much-needed rain in less than 1/2 hours time. It was good to see a rainmaker. Have a great weekend 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.
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Amazing and thoughtful renovation. Stayed in a piece of history. Great location and modern amenities. Would stay again!
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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