FLIP THE SWITCH...

And just like that, it was fall. What a change. A cold front passed quietly Monday night and Tuesday morning with little fanfare but big temperature consequences. After a sizzling Monday with heat index's of 100-105, midday readings Tuesday were in the low to mid 60s, making it feel 40 degrees colder. Actual 1:00pm temperatures were 25 degree colder across the board. Talk about flipping the switch!

Throw in a canopy of low clouds and a NE breeze, and we also had the additional look and feel of fall in our skies.

This dramatic swing signifies the beginning of a weather pattern that looks more like September than the dog days of August. Even when you know it's coming, (I called it a week ago), it's still a bit of a shock. And, if this doesn't get your attention, this should. It's the low temperatures Saturday, which on the GFS are in the 40s for the first time since spring. This would challenge record lows both Friday and Saturday morning, which range from 45-50. Saturday probably has the best shot as I see it now.

Temperature departures Saturday morning are pushing 20 degrees below average.

Here's the 500mb upper air pattern forecast for Saturday. That will tug in a nice fresh batch of Canadian air. These are the 10-day average daily temperature departures for the period ending August 16th. That's a very significant summer departure for that length of time.

Here's a little taste of what the GFS is indicating for highs the next 9 days. What a serious run of cool weather, one that's more representative of what would be typical in mid-September. To my point, the normal high September 21st at the NWS office in Davenport is 75.

As one would expect with NW flow, moisture is seriously constricted. Saturday morning dew points are shown in the 40s. Monday, they were as high as 78 in eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. That means, even if there is a decent short wave to produce lift and forcing, there's just not enough low level moisture to get any showers going. That said, 850 temperatures will be as low as +7 which means at 5,000 feet there will be enough cool air to possibly produce a few instability showers in the afternoon hours of Saturday and Sunday. These appear widely scattered, light and brief if they occur. The more likely effect would be a fair amount of broken afternoon cumulus. The north is most favored for any of these hit-and-miss showers. Here's what models are suggesting for rainfall Wednesday through Monday morning.

The EURO

The GFS

All things considered, we're in for a nice reprieve from summer's heat and humidity. The air conditioners and fans will get a good break.

One final note, the severe storms that remained just north of my area Monday did pack a punch. SPC indicates 10 tornadoes touched down over SC Minnesota and northern Iowa. These were all weak, generally EF1, but still strong enough to produce 105 mph winds and scattered damage.

That's all I have for now. The windows are open, the sky is clearing, and the stars are twinkling. At least for a moment, all is right with the world. Make it a rewarding day and by all means, 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?