50 DAYS IN THE HOLE...

Saturday marks the 50th day of a remarkable stretch of dry weather that has taken hold of the Midwest. Over that time frame, (going back to August 31st), just 0.05 inches of rain has fallen in Cedar Rapids. To be clear, measurable rain has fallen on just 1 of the past 50 days! That is exceptionally hard feat to accomplish.

Since the dry spell began August 31st, rainfall deficits in some parts of EC Iowa have grown to 6 inches around Anamosa. 5 inch departures are common.

The dry conditions extend east to encompass much of northern Illinois as well.

Going into the month of August, drought conditions were nonexistent. Now, severe drought has spread into my northern counties near HWY 20. Areas north of I-80 are in moderate drought, and abnormally dry conditions cover the rest of the south. As of Thursday, nearly 83 percent of the Midwest was classified in abnormally dry, moderate, severe, or extreme drought. 3 months ago, that figure was at 21 percent.

You can see since July 31st how dryness has taken hold over the middle of the nation by the decrease in soil moisture.

Unfortunately, short term trends do not show much if any rain over the coming 10 days. Here are the 10-day rainfall departures from the EURO and GFS ending October 28.

The EURO

The GFS

The next opportunity for showers arrives Tuesday with a disturbance ejecting out of the southwest. Moisture will be scant and the system in a weakening state, meaning amounts will be light if there is any at all. Another slight chance exists Wednesday with another moisture starved front. Hopefully some spots can at least settle the dust.

If nothing else, for much of the next 10 days temperatures will continue to be above normal aside from a 2-day cool-down later next week. Here's what the EURO and GFS show for temperatures the next 10 days.

The EURO

The GFS

For certain, this weekend will be spectacular with very low humidity, sunshine, and a good breeze out of the southwest. Highs will be well into the 70s, with a few spots near 80 Sunday. Bonus weather to be sure!

All things considered, I don't see any major changes in the dry, mild pattern the remainder of October. Beyond, that, the MJO does enter phases 7 and 8 with some amplitude. That should open the door for a period of colder weather in early November. Long range guidance also hints at a couple of strong troughs ejecting out of the west around that time. That should allow an opening for a somewhat wetter pattern to develop. It may not yield heavy rain, but at this point we'll take anything we can get. Fingers crossed.

Have an exceptional weekend and as always, 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?