ANOTHER WHIFF...
We're not in what you would call a drought yet, but this is the way you get there. Last Friday, it appeared much of the area was in a situation where a good widespread soaking rain was in order. Models were in strong agreement and the stage was set. At the last moment, just like with Charlie Brown, the ball was pulled before the kick and for many it was a whiff. At least for now, we are struggling to get our fair share of rain.
That said, a final wave of energy has passed through Illinois, producing some scattered showers and isolated storms over the far southeast overnight. What's left is out early in that region Tuesday, with clouds thinning and clearing from NW to SE as the day wears on.
Here's where the bulk of the rain fell over the weekend. Some areas in NE Iowa into SW Wisconsin had 2–4 inches plus. Far southern Iowa and WC Illinois also got in on some decent amounts, along with a small area along I-88, from just NE of the Quad Cities to Rockford. The rest of us were left with empty hands. Close but no cigar.
Cedar Rapids is one of the areas that's really been in a slump, with Tuesday being the 25th consecutive day with no measurable rain.
If things trend the way they are looking on model guidance, the earliest chance at anything measurable in Cedar Rapids would not be until late Saturday night or Sunday. That means the streak has a good chance of reaching 30 days, which is a real feat. As of last Thursday, about 99% of my area was classified in abnormally dry conditions.
Compare that to August 6th when virtually all of Iowa and Illinois was sufficiently wet.
Soil moisture anomalies for the period August 31-September 22nd, are 40-70% of normal with the greatest departures in EC Iowa.
These are the rainfall departures indicated on the GFS through October 9th.
NOAA'S outlook for October shows little optimism for a wetter pattern, with much of the central U.S. having near to below normal prospects for precipitation.
The next opportunity for any worthwhile rain is actually tied to a tropical system which is fast on its way to becoming hurricane Helene. Spaghetti plots indicate the storm makes landfall in the Florida Panhandle, perhaps as a category 2 hurricane. From there it runs into an upper level block and gets absorbed by an upper air low over the mid-Mississippi River Valley. That should turn the remnants west towards the region Saturday and Sunday. How strong the forcing remains and where it tracks will determine how much rain (if any) can find its way into the central Midwest.
Ensemble means of the GEFS, actually indicate a loop in the energy. That highlights the strength of the blocking over the Great Lakes. That could be a problem, feeding dry air and subsidence in from the north.
The GFS through Sunday shows some rain of consequence southeast of the Quad Cities as moisture wraps around the weakening circulation. However, the block to the north is feeding enough dry air into my northern counties to keep rainfall minimal north of I-80. This is all very preliminary and confidence remains low regarding the impacts of any rain locally. Clearly, the southeast is most favored at this time. Stand by.
The EURO rain totals for the same period.
Meantime, some exceptional weather looks to be with us the remainder of the week. Dew points remain low and mostly sunny skies will prevail much of the week after any clouds depart later Tuesday. That results in cool nights and pleasantly warm days, with high pressure in firm control. If it's going to be dry, it may as well be nice! Have an exceptional day 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.
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?
