A FOUR LETTER FOURTH...
Happy Independence Day! The country is 248 years old. That's a lot of candles. Here's to many more (good years). While we're at it, how about some good weather, one can never get too much of that, especially after Tuesday's rambunctious storms that dumped torrential rains and produced 60-80 mph winds just south of I-80 and Iowa City. Below is a recap from the NWS in the Quad Cities.
That left us in a lull Wednesday as weak high pressure brought a welcome dry day and enough sunshine to get highs into the low to mid 80s. That's right on the button for early July.
Starting today, unsettled weather returns to the Midwest, with near daily chances of rain much of the next week. Nobody wants to hear the four-letter word "rain" on the 4th of July. Fortunately, most of the holiday itself appears to be dry, but it may not end that way. Late in the day, (more likely towards evening) is when the next threat of rain and storms arrives. The activity is likely to form along and north of a warm front situated over central Iowa. That means rain chances are greatest near and north of I-80. This could interrupt fireworks displays in some areas. Hopefully we can hold it off until later, but I can not guarantee that in all locations. Otherwise, it will be a warm and somewhat sticky day, with highs again in the low to mid 80s.
Severe weather does not look to be a big concern the 4th with meager CAPE (instability). Some isolated small hail or gusty winds are a possibility in the stronger updrafts. SPC does show a level 2 risk of severe storms over northern Iowa. My area resides in a level 1 marginal risk.
Later Thursday night, a cool front arrives and puts an end to the rains by daybreak. However, the system digs a pronounced trough into the Midwest that gets reinforced multiple times in coming days. It looks like this at 500mb Tuesday.
Not only does that eliminate the possibility of any real July heat for a while, it also draws cool air aloft into the center of the nation. With heating in the morning, instability grows during the afternoon. Random showers and a few thunderstorms are likely in this type of set-up. Due to the persistence of the troughs position, the afternoon shower threat is with us through at least next Wednesday. I do want to stress, many dry hours are likely until that instability is realized. Then it's hit-and-miss time for any showers and storms that develop when the convective temperature is realized later in the day. The spotty nature of the rains means amounts could vary significantly from location to location. Additionally, the showers are generally brief and at 4:00 it may be raining and by 4:30 the sun may be back out. Fast changing conditions. Here's what models are indicating for rainfall totals the next 7 days (through next Wednesday).
The EURO
The GFS
The Weather Prediction Center
Temperatures during this 10-day period are likely to be fairly consistent with minimal changes in the overall air mass. The EURO shows only a 7 degree spread in high temperatures through July 13th. (77-84). The spread is even less in lows, just 6 degrees from 62-68.
The bottom line in the forecast going forward is that ups and downs are expected well into next week, with occasional chances of rain and a few thunderstorms (especially in the late afternoon and evening). There will be far more dry hours than wet ones. Make your plans accordingly and roll weather, TS
SPEND SOME TIME WITH US. MY AIRBNB IS A MOST LOVED GUEST FAVORITE!
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?
