FLIPPING THE SWITCH...
After a wet start to the summer, the final weeks of it have seen a trend for drier weather. The dryness can be traced to a change in the storm track that's limited the moisture and forcing necessary to create rain. If you're counting, the last week has been fantastic, with abundant sunshine and comfortable temperatures. In Cedar Rapids, no measurable rain has occurred since the start of September, a streak that's entering its 10th consecutive day.
Despite the recent dryness, summer rainfall in Cedar Rapids (June-August), is 2.18 inches above normal. For the year, the 2024 total is 29.93 inches, resulting in a surplus of 2.97 inches. This is part of a long term trend of yearly precipitation being above normal since the early 1920s. As you can see in the graphic below, only 23 of the past 100 years have experienced below normal precipitation in Cedar Rapids (less than 25%).
The remainder of this week, and probably Saturday too, dry weather looks to prevail over much of the region. After that, prospects for rain will be centered around the track of tropical storm Francine, soon to become a hurricane in the NW Gulf.
The latest data from the National Hurricane Center indicates the storm becomes a hurricane Tuesday, reaching category 2 status before making landfall sometime Wednesday.
The spaghetti plots, showing various model projections of the track, has Francine heading to southern Illinois as a tropical depression before drifting northeast Saturday and Sunday.
The consequence of this development is that the central Midwest remains under the influence of subsidence the remainder of the week. This sinking environment will prohibit precipitation and promote compressional heating. I look for highs to climb into the mid 80s both Wednesday and Thursday before clouds become a potential cooling factor Friday on.
The prospects for rain increase later Saturday and especially Sunday as moisture and vorticity wrap around the tropical remnants. Just how much rain falls remains an open question, highly dependent on the track and remaining strength of the storm. There are likely to be changes in coming days, but for now here's what the EURO and GFS suggest for rainfall totals through Monday night.
The EURO
The GFS
With the additional clouds and potential for bands of rain from time to time, temperatures will likely cool a few degrees late weekend into early next week. The EURO shows this for temperatures the next 10 days.
Following the system, upper level winds remain favorable for a continuation of moderate temperatures well into September. These are the 10-day departures for the period September 14-24th. Notice the lack of cold air anywhere in the Polar regions. No signs of any frost or freezing temperatures well into the future.
Aside from some additional haze from wildfires, the next 2 days should be sunny and warm. Summer is back! Let the good weather roll...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?
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