GETTING THE JOB DONE

Showers and thunderstorms erupted Thursday evening ahead of a vigorous short wave and streaked across the central and southern Iowa. A stout low level jet and CAPE up to 1,000 j/kg were able to overcome meager low level moisture and fuel the storms. Cool mid level temperatures and shear of 35-40 kts supported updrafts strong enough to produce hail up to an inch. Additionally, a west to east aligned axis of warm advection supported a band of heavier storms with amounts approaching 2 inches SW of Cedar Rapids (in parts of Iowa and NW Johnson County), far more than has fallen in the previous 2 months! Unfortunately, the north did not fare as well, with amounts rapidly tapering off as you approach HWY 20. Here's what the radar looked like Thursday evening when severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect for quarter sized hail.

Here are the locations where hail was reported that met severe weather criteria through 2:00am Thursday night.

Doppler rainfall estimates through 3:00am. A significant rain band of 2" or more is shown near and north of I-80.

The rain was desperately needed, especially before frost gets into the ground now that November is knocking on the door. Below, you can see in the green line where topsoil moisture in 6 Midwestern states is 70-85 percent short. In Iowa and Illinois, current levels are even worse than in 2012 (red line), a year plagued by a severe drought. You can also see that last year at this time (blue line), topsoil moisture was also quite low going into November.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING...

As I've been touting in my last few posts, it certainly appears that the Midwest is entering into an active period next week. Before that, high pressure builds into the region this weekend, bringing dry, seasonally cool conditions. For the most part, highs will be in the low to mid 60s, except for Saturday, when slightly cooler readings in the upper 50s to near 60 are expected.

Monday and Tuesday, on the backside of high pressure and a deepening west coast trough, winds turn to the southwest and increase. This draws warmer air and moisture into the Midwest ahead of a developing storm system in the Plains. Highs will pop into the 70s Monday, with 80s likely Tuesday. Readings remain mild Wednesday, but with clouds on the increase, should drop a few degrees into the range of 75 to 81. By Wednesday, the sustained SW flow aloft, and at the surface will pump dew points into the low 60s. With a slow moving cold front arriving Wednesday afternoon, the stage is set for what continues to look like a significant rainfall event Wednesday night. This is what the EURO and GFS suggest for rain.

The EURO

The GFS

The rain ends early Thursday (Halloween day) and by the time trick or treating commences, dry but cool conditions are expected with readings in the upper 40s north to the low 50s south. Far from ghoulish.

The next system is hot on its heels later Friday, November 1st. Another organized disturbance kicks up showers and storms, with what appears to be another healthy rain Friday night that ends early Saturday.

LONG TERM TRENDS...

I did take a look at the latest run of The EURO Weeklies, and the control was showing a turn to wintry weather from mid-November into early December. The 46-day run was wet today, showing these precipitation totals for the period ending December 9th.

It was a cold run too from November 20th to December 9th, indicating some healthy snow. Most of the snow is shown falling from Thanksgiving through the first week of December. Do not get caught up in the numbers, all that concerns me this far out is the trend reflecting cold and snow. Something to keep an eye on as we get into the merry month of November and snow season.

That is all for now. Have an exceptional Friday and 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?