FINE AND DANDY, FOR NOW

That wet weather system Thursday night was just what the doctor ordered for parts of my area. Showers and storms dumped a welcome 1–2 inches of rain in a swath that cut across my central counties. Lots of thunder and lightning attended the storms, with numerous locations experiencing hail. Below you can see the hail reports strongly clustered along I-80 where a number of severe thunderstorm warnings were issued. Impressive for late October.

In fact, if you take a look at Iowa hail reports since last July, you can see, thanks to the Iowa Mesonet, that only 5 days had a report of hail at least 1 inch in diameter. That clearly indicates the dryness of the pattern and lack of thunderstorms around the state.

Doppler estimates show the corridor of heaviest rain Thursday night in the darker shades of green and yellow. Spots around North Liberty, Bennett, and Tipton had up to 2 inches of rain. Amounts across the north were very disappointing, with totals drastically diminished as one approached HWY 20.

Now that the system is long gone, we have a seasonally cool weekend to look forward to, with high pressure ruling the roost. Sunshine will prevail along with pleasant crisp days and chilly nights. About what you would expect for late October.

Early next week, we enter an active period of weather that's dominated by a strong western trough. Several rounds of energy eject from its base over time bring additional chances for much need rain. Hopefully this time the north will do better. The 5-day animation below, ending November 3rd, shows in blue the dominance of low pressure over the middle of the nation as systems regularly pass through.

The next opportunity for rain in my region comes later next Wednesday and Wednesday night, when a slow moving front intercepts moisture that's pooled ahead of it. Some generous totals are still indicated. That's followed by a cool Halloween, which includes some passing clouds and temperatures that should hold in the low to mid 50s. Chilly but dry conditions are anticipated for trick or treating, with temperatures falling into the 40s early in the evening.

The following Saturday, another short wave arrives, which brings the prospect of rain and a brief cool-down after its passage next weekend. Between the two systems, here's what models are suggesting for rain next week. The flow is not quite as amplified and numbers have come down a bit in the most recent guidance.

The GFS

The EURO

The National Blend of Models

Long range, it appears our mild weather gains legs again the first week of November, with the mean trough re-established over the west. This is November 6th.

Look at the temperature departures ahead of the trough near election day.

After that, the GFS is advertising a major cool-off with the jet re-aligned to this position by November 9th.

Temperatures go from nearly 20 degrees above normal to nearly 20 degrees below normal after that.

Personally, I have serious doubts about the degree of amplification the GFS indicates. Without it, temperatures will cool considerably, but not to the level the GFS indicates. That said, I certainly could see a day or two around the 6th of November when highs do not get out of the 40s before moderation resumes once again.

We'll see if this trend holds in coming days. Meantime, Halloween weekend is upon us. Hope you have a spooktacular time despite the lack of creepy conditions. 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?