AUGUST ALREADY...

Summer has a habit of slipping away, and that fact became evident to me again Thursday when I saw the calendar flip to August. I can't say it was a big shock, though, as every night I see the sunset from my desk, and it's already about a half hour earlier than late June. The big fade to winter is on. There's plenty of good weather to come, but we are at that point where I start to appreciate those warm nights and coat free days.

One of the things August is known for are the "dog days", those hazy warm sunny afternoons. Typically, in early August, the storm track is anchored over the northern tier of the nation. That creates a fairly stable pattern marked by warmth and relatively weak storm systems, with cool air locked up in Canada. Rain is usually scattered and short in duration when it occurs. This summer, the jet has been unusually far south and active here in the Midwest. Proof positive are the July temperatures, which were near to as much as 3 degrees below normal.

Rainfall for that 30 period was also significant and well above normal. A major reason temperatures leaned cooler.

The past 7 days have been quite wet, especially across my southern counties, with rainfall 200-500 percent above the means July 25-31.

Longer range, the signals remain strong, particularly on the GFS that the overall pattern remains lively and similar to what we have experienced recently. We have seen the negative phase of the EPO (eastern Pacific Oscillation) predominate, and that's what's shown in the teleconnections going forward. Take a look at the GFS control's depiction of the negative EPO through most of August.

That implies ridging over western Canada, and the downstream implications are for NW flow across the Midwest. This is the 500mb pattern the GFS indicates August 15th. That is a heck of a trough for mid-August. That ridge in red sticks out like a sore thumb in western Canada.

These are the temperature departures for the 7-day period March 9-16th. Man, that's what I call natural air conditioning!

Additionally, depending on the precise positioning of the storm track, the potential exists for continued wet weather in the Midwest near or just north of my area. This is two week rainfall on the GFS and EURO.

The GFS

The EURO

It certainly does not look like the doldrums, which is what the dog days are known for. We shall see.

Meantime, things will calm down this weekend with high pressure drifting across the Midwest. Temperatures should be pleasant both Friday and Saturday, with highs generally in the range of 82 to 86 from north to south. Return flow will commence Sunday and should boost readings more towards the 84-88 degree spread. There will be an influx of moisture though, with dew points surging into the low to mid 70s. That's the kind of sultry August weather we all love and know.

Sunday night, a front sinks into the north and provides a chance of widely scattered showers and storms. The boundary stalls near I-80 and returns north Monday as a rather organized surface low gets set to track across far northern Iowa Monday night. I would expect a very warm, sticky day Monday behind the warm front, with highs potentially reaching the range of 90 north to 95 south. That generates some significant instability for thunderstorms Monday night if the CAP breaks. However, outside the far north, the CAP is shown holding, indicating a dry frontal passage for the majority of my area. Confidence is not high on that at this time. Cooler and drier air follows for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Happy Friday and roll weather...TS

PEOPLE LOVE IT. OUR 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?