GROOVIN'....

Every once in awhile the weather just gets in a groove and cranks out a stretch of spectacular days...you dig? That's the peace train we've been riding this entire month and then some. Much of my area is on a 10-day run without measurable rain, with at least three more days to go. That's what I call groovin'. Here's what's fallen the past 7 days around the central Midwest.

Despite this dry stretch, precipitation continues to be above normal for much of the area this year. At the NWS office in Davenport, Iowa nearly 30 inches of rain has fallen. That's a couple inches above average and far above the lowest total of 12.23 inches at this point in 2005.

After a cool weekend, readings are on the way up, with highs headed into the mid to upper 80s the next couple of days. Below, you can see the tongue of warm air that was already sending highs in SW Iowa close to 90 degrees Tuesday afternoon.

It continues to look as if well above normal temperatures have a good chance of prevailing much of this month. The 30-day temperature departures on the EURO weeklies are shown significantly above normal for much of North America through October 9th, particularly at higher latitudes.

This is what the EURO is pointing to for temperatures the next 10 days in the Quad Cities. Nothing worse than a high of 79 with a couple of days around the 20th in the 90s. I'm not buying into that type of heat yet, but for now it's on the table.

The 6-10 day outlook from NOAA shows the high likelihood of warmth here in the central United States. The area is showing signs of getting closer to moisture from the mean trough centered over the west. With time, this may improve rainfall prospects later next week.

Speaking of rain, a tropical system destined to become a hurricane Wednesday appears to take a track close enough to at least generate some rain chances, especially later Saturday and Sunday. Before (or if) that happens, clouds become more of a factor late week. Here's hurricane Francine just east of the Texas coast Tuesday evening.

This GOES east image shows the large cloud and rain canopy hugging the coastal areas of the Gulf. That is the moisture and energy that should at least bring a chance of scattered showers to the Midwest at some time this weekend.

As you can see, the storm (now a hurricane) makes landfall not far from New Orleans Wednesday afternoon. Once out of the Gulf, the storm weakens rapidly, with its remnants downgraded to a weak depression when they arrive in southern Illinois Saturday.

Models show little surface reflection by then, and the GFS has really backed off on rain totals in my area, showing little if any, and that idea has merit. It appears to me that the primary rain and forcing from Francine itself will bypass this area to the southeast. However, its moisture may combine with SW flow aloft to create a narrow band of convergence in some part of central Iowa that may be close enough to spit out some rains that sneak into eastern Iowa. The EURO is very much in this camp, with notably higher rainfall potential. Based on recent trends, my gut tells me the majority of the rain stays southeast or west of my local region through Tuesday of next week. While confidence is currently low, I'm hoping to have a clearer position on the outcome later Wednesday. Beyond that, the western trough may progress far enough east to provide a better chance of rain locally the latter part of next week. More on that tomorrow. Meantime, here's what models are suggesting for rainfall Saturday through next Tuesday. Note the big difference between the EURO and GFS regarding amounts.

The EURO

The GFS

At any rate, the next couple of days look straight forward with warm temperatures, some as much as 10 degrees above normal. Dry weather will continue its dominance. Still groovin'. 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?