HIT AND MISS...

Another stunning October day was on display around the Midwest Monday. Sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity were the stuff of a near perfect day. For the most part, highs were in the low 80s, roughly 2–3 degrees below the existing records. By all accounts, an exceptional day!

Tuesday brings a change that might include some showers thanks to a weakening short wave ejecting out of the Plains. The negatives are that forcing is declining and moisture is lagging. That one two punch of negatives means any showers should be light, brief, and spotty. What saturation occurs will be minimal and the window for rain short. Here's what models are suggesting for totals. I may be out of bounds, but I like the drier look of the HRRR and GFS with their lower totals, especially considering the last 2 months of dryness and the lack of dynamics.

The HRRR

The 3k NAM

The GFS

The EURO

Temperatures Tuesday will continue mild despite passing clouds and a few showers or sprinkles. Highs will again be above normal in the low 70s far north to the mid to upper 70s elsewhere.

Wednesday (and the majority of Thursday) look dry, but there is an intriguing system Thursday night that may bring a worthwhile period of rain. The EURO has been the most aggressive on the potential as it brings a short wave trough in from the NW. The GFS had been unenthusiastic until now and its latest run shows more rain than even the EURO. Take a look.

The EURO

The GFS

I'm a little leery of the high totals of 1/2 inch or more but happy about the more optimistic look of both models. We'll see where trends lead us in the next 24–36 hours.

One thing is apparent, we will see a noticeable drop in temperatures Wednesday that lasts into the weekend. Highs the majority of that period will remain in the 60s. Don't cry too much though, as those readings are still above the norms, which by then are in the mid to upper 50s.

By early next week (October 28th), a deep trough is forecast to dig into the western third of the nation, creating a 500mb jet stream that looks like this.

That does several things, it pulls moisture northward and another round of very warm temperatures into the Midwest. Additionally, it generates a strong surface low that runs up through NW Iowa into Minnesota. This may bring a shot at some rain and thunderstorms later Monday or Tuesday.

More than anything, the mean trough that's carved out remains intact through the start of November. That scenario allows a number of disturbances to cross the Midwest with several chances of rain. It's still early, but at least for now, indications are that this period could bring some beneficial precipitation. Here's what models are indicating for rain totals the next 10 days ending November 1st.

The EURO

The GFS

Models will no doubt need to converge on a solution regarding placement and amounts, but there's plenty of time to come to grips with that.

Anyway, the big news today is that the rain gods may be waking up after a 2-month snooze. Here's hoping! 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?