CALLING ALL RAINDROPS
For most of us, the last 18 days have dry been dry days. Places like Cedar Rapids have been munching on the old nothingburger where no measurable rain has fallen since August 30th. The grass has changed from green to a dusty shade of brown in my backyard. Not the look I was trying to achieve. I'm calling on all raindrops to "drop" in.
Rainfall departures the last two weeks around Iowa are greater than 2 inches in parts of the S/SE.
The Mississippi River, which was in major flood stage and closed to pleasure traffic in spots around the 4th of July, is now down over 13 feet (to 4.7 feet) in Rock Island and could be closing in on the 4-foot mark by the end of the week.
Temperatures which started to cool in early September have been on the rise recently. Along with the rain free beginning to the month, Cedar Rapids has now put up 7 consecutive days with highs in the 80s, with several more to come. Here's the first 16 days.
The next 6 days, temperature departures on the EURO ensemble control are shown to be 8–9 degrees above normal per day. Cooler weather is possible for at least a couple of days early Next week.
That keeps highs in the 80s through at least Saturday, which is clearly shown on the EURO meteogram.
After that, some guidance starts to show significant changes that were not indicated in previous runs. Therefore, the sensible weather is highly dependent on the degree of change that eventually occurs. The GFS is substantially cooler and wetter the week of September 23rd. By the 28th, the GFS cranks out a 500mb jet that looks like this.
That results in a significantly cooler pattern with below normal temperature departures.
The EURO on the other hand indicates a completely different solution, with a strong upper level ridge instead of a trough at 500mb.
Look at the difference in temperature departures from far below normal on the GFS to well above normal on the EURO below.
It's impossible to say which outcome ends up being correct. For now, I prefer more of a compromise solution until I can get a pulse on whether a true pattern change is in the making. I will have more on how things are trending in my next post.
WHAT ABOUT RAIN...
As for precipitation chances, they appear to be slim to none through Thursday. Finally, Thursday night, a ridge over the east that has been blocking and thwarting precipitation opportunities is shown inching east. It may allow enough convergence and forcing to kick up a few showers and storms Thursday night. We'll see. Confidence is not real high on prospects at this time.
If that fails to materialize, another shot comes later Saturday night or Sunday night, depending on the speed of the ejecting energy. Not only could it provide rain, it could very well lower temperatures one of those days. Here's what models are suggesting for rain through the day Sunday from the 2 different events. This would be very welcome!
The EURO
The GFS
While it remains an open question whether or not we can emerge from this dry cycle we've entered, recent trends are indicating it's a real possibility. The GFS long range precipitation output indicates some sizeable rainfall amounts over the next 2 weeks ending October 2nd.
Anomalies of 1–2 inches are indicated through the heart of the area.
We'll see where trends take us the next 24–48 hours. Calling all raindrops! 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?
