Another beautiful day is in store today as RAGBRAI XLV travels from Spencer to Algona, passing through the towns of Dickens, Gillett Grove, Ayrshire, Curlew, Mallard, West Bend, and Whittemore. Today’s travel features 71.7 miles and 1,631 feet of climb. Algona has hosted four times in the past, in 1977, 1990, 2005, and 2010. Mostly clear skies will be prevalent throughout the day with some isolated patchy fog possible in the early morning. Temperatures will barely get over the 80° hump, and considering the 5-10 MPH southeasterly wind and generally comfortable dew points, the ride can be expected to be relatively cool coming into Algona.

More great weather is expected as riders head to Clear Lake Tuesday, where mostly sunny skies are forecasted with a high of 85°. The weather turns for the worse on Wednesday with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms possible in Charles City. The SPC has an elevated risk of severe weather over the northern part of the state on this day as well. Any thunderstorm chance certainly bears watching as we get closer to the mid-week, but confidence is increasing in a moderate-to-heavy rainfall event in that area on Wednesday.