IT IS WHAT IT IS...

To be honest, we are in what could very well be described as an abnormal weather pattern for July, Considerable cloudiness has prevailed, and it seems as if some part of my area sees rain (or a chance of it) almost daily. Temperatures have also been running several degrees below normal. Top it all off with the remnants of a hurricane, and you see my point, this is not the hot, sunny, stable, weather pattern the month is noted for.

While my area avoided most of Beryl's rain, my SE counties did not entirely escape the former hurricane. As you can see on the Doppler estimates, measurable rain was widespread southeast of a line from Macomb to Galesburg. East of Quincy and on to Beardstown, Illinois, 2-4 inch totals were found. Some widely scattered heavy showers also popped up for a time in spotty parts of SE Iowa and other random locations.

In general, the majority of my area did stay dry, but everybody was impacted by Beryl's cloud canopy, which shows up nicely on the satellite. It also held highs down, keeping them confined to the upper 70s to low 80s.

With the hurricane remnants lifting northeast Wednesday, that opens the door to NW flow and a disturbance that digs southeast into the Midwest. This animation shows Beryl lifting into the Great Lakes and Canad, with the new short wave diving in behind it.

It does not appear overly strong, but it will provide the forcing and instability for widely scattered showers once again Wednesday and Thursday. The most opportune time appears to be during the afternoon and evening, centered around peak heating. These again should be spotty and while amounts in most locations should be 1/4 inch or less, a few spots could see 1/2 to 1 inch where thunderstorms pop up. Other's may experience very little. Through Thursday night, can see the random hit-and-miss pockets of rain suggested by the 3k NAM.

The EURO and GFS are not as hi-resolution and smoothing eliminates the more spotty effects of the NAM, making the rain appear more widespread than it is.

The EURO

The GFS

With this type of pattern, there should be many dry hours and even periods of sun. As for temperatures, they remain in check...mainly in the low 80s.

SUMMER SNEAKS IN OVER THE WEEKEND

For a brief time, the upper air flow flattens later in the weekend, allowing a summery surge of warmer air and rather uncomfortable humidity. Saturday the warming commences with highs inching into the mid 80s (perhaps a few upper 80s south). With partly sunny skies, humidity jumps as well.

Sunday is set to be a steamer with dew points, (aided by crop evapotranspiration), set to soar well into the 70s. The GFS has a few dew points, even pushing 80.

With actual temperatures in the range of 90-95, heat index values of 100-104 are possible. Heat headlines are looking likely if we get those juicy dew points. After another sizzling day Monday, a cold front passes Monday evening. There could be a few storms with the front, but for now warm temperatures aloft seem to thwart that prospect through capping. Mesocale details will determine the outcome. The front does take the edge off the heat Tuesday and beyond as the pattern retrogrades to NW flow once again.

There continue to be signs of a more significant shift to heat in the long term, but it does not appear it would happen until July 21st (if it even occurs). The EURO does expand a significant heat dome into the middle of the nation at that time that could get the job done. However, a weakness remains over the Great Lakes that could be just enough to keep the worst of the hot air slightly to the west.

Temperature departures are getting up there by July 23rd. Something to watch.

That's the long and short of it on a hump-day. Have a sensational one and by all means, roll weather...TS

THE REVIEWS ARE SPECTACULAR. 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?