A CHANGE OF SCENERY

A year ago, at this time, there was much concern about an ongoing drought that had plagued the Midwest all summer. As is usually the case, dry cycles break and often times are replaced with wet ones. Sure enough, precipitation returned with a vengeance as you can see in this graphic showing rainfall since last September 12th. Much of my area during this year-long period was 2–8 inches above normal on amounts. It was especially wet in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin, where a surplus of 10–15 inches is shown.

The results of the rainy stretch was the elimination of moderate, extreme, and even exceptional drought conditions that prevailed over much of Iowa and NW Illinois. You can see a dramatic comparison of then and now in the drought monitor below.

What's a bit concerning is a much drier pattern that's developed since August, and some parts of my area have not had so much as a drop of rain since the start of September. In just the last week, a significant amount of counties in the Midwest have progressed from normal to abnormally dry conditions. Not a trend we want to see going forward.

Since August 17th, if you count today, only 2 of the past 28 days have seen measurable rain measured in Cedar Rapids. Today will make it 14 consecutive days! Fortunately, the 2 days it did rain it poured with most spots in my area seeing a good soaking during the period August 29-30th. Without that, we would be deeply parched.

A CHANGE OF SCENERY...

While the extent of any precipitation remains questionable, there is at least a chance of scattered showers and storms at some point over the weekend. The addition of clouds to our skies will also provide us with a change of scenery. This rain threat is tied to the remains of Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana Wednesday. Already you can see blow off clouds from its remnants lifting northward towards the Midwest.

The challenging aspects regarding rain chances are the fact the system is rapidly weakening and slowing as it encounters an upper level block building over the Great Lakes. The majority of the GEFS ensemble members actually turn the core energy of Francine southeast in coming days. Such a development would often leave us high and dry altogether.

The wild card for us is a deepening SW trough and moisture from it and Francine pooling over the Midwest. An elongated trough, (while weak in strength) sets up shop somewhere in central or eastern Iowa. With that in place and a weak batch of vorticity rotating in from the remnants of Francine, there may be just enough lift and convergence to generate scattered showers and storms. While a stray shower is possible in the south late Friday, the better rain chances are indicated later Saturday night and Sunday morning. Overall, the rains look to be scattered, and I don't see a washout, with plenty of dry hours both Saturday and Sunday. Here's what models are suggesting for rainfall through Tuesday.

The EURO

The GFS

The Weather Prediction Center output.

The National blend of models.

Despite the addition of clouds, both the EURO and GFS do not show much of a cooling effect. I'm a little skeptical that there may be at least some slight cooling. That said, the EURO ensemble meteogram shows no signs of fall, with highs remaining in the mid 80s through September 22nd. The GFS is even a few degrees warmer than the EURO.

I do see at least some tentative signs of more fall-like conditions, but not until later in September. This is the 500mb jet indicated on the EURO weeklies September 27th.

That's a much colder pattern, with below normal temperatures indicated throughout the central Midwest over the period September 27th through October 4th.

In the meantime, it's looking very warm the next 7-10 days. Enjoy it while it lasts, and happy Friday. 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?