DIALING FOR DOWNPOURS

Wednesday was another one of those days when the weather depended on the time and the location. What I mean by that is the morning hours were far better than the afternoon. The day started quiet, mild, and mostly sunny. Here's proof around 9:30am. However, after that, clouds were fast approaching, along with an upper air disturbance to the northwest.

By 5:00pm., depending on where you were, active showers and thunderstorms had boiled up ahead of the short wave. Those sunny skies were long gone.

While some places remained largely dry, that was not the case in others, where downpours and brief gusty winds accompanied some of the heavier downpours. This Doppler rainfall estimate shows a complex of heavier storms extending across much of EC Iowa.

A closer inspection shows 3 strong cells dumping torrential rainfall from Swisher and Iowa City on down to Wilton. Those cores cranked out 1–3 inches of rain in a short period of time. A flash flood warning was even issued for the area around Coralville and Iowa City. That's those hit-and-miss type showers and storms that have been a part of our weather in recent days.

Thursday, enough residual cool air aloft still exists for some additional showers and storms, however coverage should be much lower with far less in the way of forcing. A few isolated heaver showers are possible, but overall what occurs should be lighter, widely scattered, and brief in nature. After that, by all accounts, Friday should be a rare dry day across the entire area. Highs both Thursday and Friday will end up in the low to mid 80s.

DIALING UP A STEAMY WEEKEND...

Over the weekend, a heat dome currently centered over the western U.S. will flex its muscles long enough to send a tentacle of heat and humidity into the Midwest. The 500mb flow aloft looks like this Sunday. The building heights suggest the potential for triple digit heat index values and most likely heat headlines.

With the initial wave of warm moist advection, some scattered storms are a possibility Saturday. The EURO shows CAPE well over 3,000 j/kg. in the north, which is ample fuel for a few strong updrafts and localized heavy rain. Otherwise, Saturday looks like a day with highs in the range of 85-90 with dew points cracking 70.

The worst of the heat and extreme humidity comes Sunday and Monday. Dew points are shown potentially reaching the upper 70s to near 80 both days. With highs both day in the low 90s north to the mid 90s south, it will be extremely sultry and uncomfortable. Heat index values of 100-106 would be possible if those levels are achieved. Mean stuff! The EURO has this for HX values Monday.

Another factor to watch, especially late Monday, is the threat of strong storms. The muggy conditions will generate some major instability. CAPE is like to be greater than 5,000 j/kg+. If the CAP aloft (a layer of warm air) can be broken, storms will explode. With water vapor nearing 2 inches, heavy rains are a given in any storm that goes up. However, it is very uncertain if the CAP remains intact, thwarting storm development. Storms may be more likely later Monday night. More on that as we get closer to the event. Here's Monday's CAPE on the GFS. Major potential energy!

The EURO does bring a front through the region Tuesday, which may ease the toasty conditions for a few days next week, especially in the north. However, some part of the region may be situated on the northern fringe of the heat, a place known as the ring of fire. Storms are likely to form here and ride southeast, especially at night, where they grow upscale into clusters thanks to the addition of the low level jet.

The GFS is most bullish on that idea and shows precipitation departures that are well above normal in the two-week period ending July 26th. I'm not sure the boundary will be that far north at this time.

There are certainly some interesting elements to the forecast coming up that will be challenging from the standpoint of both precipitation and temperatures. We shall see. Roll weather...TS

THE REVIEWS ARE SPECTACULAR. 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?