EARLY TASTE OF FALL

A friendly brand of summer weather returned to the Midwest Friday thanks to a broad expanse of high pressure. More of the same is expected Saturday, with abundant sunshine and highs in the mid 80s. Dew points should also be a few degrees lower, making conditions more comfortable to be out and about. Winds return to the south Sunday and that should boost readings into the mid to upper 80s. With an influx of moisture, dew points increase as well, punching into the low 70s by late afternoon. Even with the additional moisture, another sunny, dry day is anticipated.

Sunday night, a front sinks into the north and provides a chance of widely scattered showers and storms, mainly north of HWY 30. Monday, the boundary stalls near I-80 and inches north during the afternoon as a rather organized surface low forms to the west. That sets the stage for a very warm, sticky day Monday behind the warm front, with highs potentially reaching the range of 90 north to 95 south according to the EURO.

Dew points will be in the 70s, which means we are back in the soup with heat index values of 95-100 likely.

That generates some significant instability for thunderstorms Monday night, especially near and north of the warm front and triple point where strong warm air advection takes place. Instability, measured in CAPE is elevated across northern Iowa and NW Illinois.

However, the majority of my area is under the influence of a strong CAP keeping things steamy but dry during the day Monday. The CAP holds the key to thunderstorm chances in my area Monday night. The primary question being, will it break with the arrival of a cold front, and it's forcing? That potential seems most likely in my northern counties, closer to HWY 20. Further south, most models suggest the CAP holding, indicating a dry frontal passage for the majority of my area Monday night. Confidence remains low on the eventual outcome. The EURO is the most bullish for rain and storms in the north, showing this for totals Sunday night through Monday night.

The EURO

The GFS banks on the CAP holding and keeps the action just north of my area.

Following the cold front, a significant pattern change is expected, with an emphasis on NW flow much of the long range period out 2 weeks.

The GFS is especially cool, producing temperatures reminiscent of early fall and September, August 6th-13th. The 7-day departures are roughly 10 degrees below normal, centered on the Midwest during that period. That keeps readings confined to the low to mid 70s for highs. Lows next Friday morning could dip into the upper 40s north.

The Climate Prediction Center is all in, showing a high likelihood of below normal readings in its 6-10 day outlook. Precipitation is near normal.

The 8-14 day outlook continues the cool look across the corn belt. Also, much of the nation is shown having above normal precipitation. In fact, not a single part of the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) is shown having below normal rainfall chances. I don't recall ever seeing that before!

Something else of interest, whether it occurs or not, is the U.S. climate model the CFSv2 showing the cool temperatures of August lasting through November. Here's what it depicts.

September

October

November

Well, that's enough speculation for now. Have a terrific weekend 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?