MONSOON SEASON
Technically, the Midwest does not have a monsoon season, a period where there's a dramatic increase in summer precipitation, mainly due to thunderstorms. No weather authority is going to argue that point. However, official or not, monsoon season is here and has been for the past three months. Showers and thunderstorms over that period have been prolific rain producers, and we are at a place now where we are getting too much of a good thing.
One of the forces that drives a monsoon is deep moisture, generally tropical in nature. We certainly had that Tuesday evening when available water vapor was measured around 2.50 inches.
Wind is another key aspect of monsoons. It must be from a direction that transports moisture. Below you can see winds at 500mb transporting and escorting tropical moisture right into the heart of my area.
Where the moisture pooled, was where intense thunderstorms blew up Tuesday afternoon and evening. Look at the powerful line of storms cutting across the Iowa, Illinois border around 6:30pm.
Numerous severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings were issued for my area, as was a Tornado Watch. A couple of brief tornado touchdowns were indicated near Iowa City and Nichols, Iowa. Winds were especially impressive in a supercell that tracked along I-80 near Iowa City. 81 mph wind gusts were registered at both Riverside and Williamstown, Iowa. Millersburg clocked a gust of 70 with a couple more reports winds near 60 mph. John Miller sent me this image of a shelf cloud produced by a supercell approaching Muscatine. Nicely done!
This lightning detection product shows lightning strikes over about 3.5 hours time, ending at 9:00pm.
The system brought another round of excessive rainfall, not surprising with the tremendous water vapor available. This is what the Doppler indicates for rain totals through 11:30pm. Tuesday evening. Amounts of 3–6 inches are indicated over NE Iowa and SW Wisconsin, the approximate location of a crest that is advancing downstream along the Mississippi.
The additional heavy rain has increased projected crests on the Mississippi. Most other rivers and streams are on the rise as well. All the way from Dubuque to Burlington, major Mississippi crests are anticipated over the next week, which is what the purple boxes indicate.
For all intents and purposes, rain with this system rapidly ends over the far southeast early Wednesday, allowing for a welcome day of dry weather. Skies will clear out and highs will reach the low to mid 80s. It will be another muggy day with all the residual moisture.
THE 4th OF JULY
The stationary boundary that caused all the excitement Tuesday begins to inch north again as a warm front Thursday. A cluster of storms that develops Wednesday night may clip my southern counties by Thursday morning before diminishing and dying off. The boundary continues to make slow progress north during the day, getting into central Iowa by afternoon. Moisture increases once again and instability is rejuvenated, setting the stage for additional storms Thursday night. Most likely, these would form in the northern half of my area ahead of the slow moving warm front. If we get lucky, much of Thursday afternoon and evening could remain dry until the low level jet kicks in again after sunset. That might give us the window necessary to allow for outside activities and fireworks. Highs look to be tempered by some passing clouds, helping to keep readings in the low 80s.
Later Thursday night, scattered showers and storms are likely in the north as a cool front approaches and encounters the warm front and its moisture. How widespread the rain becomes is an unknown, but where any storms can pop, some downpours are once again possible. Some of this activity may linger into parts of Friday as the disturbance closes off and forms a cold pool enhancing instability, especially in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies and slightly below normal temperatures are expected, with highs Friday in the upper 70s to low 80s. Here's the 500mb disturbance that produces the unsettled weekend weather.
Saturday may start fine, but the cold pool aloft should again spark enough instability to produce widely scattered hit-and-miss late day showers or a few storms, especially in the north. Highs will once again hold in the upper 70s to low 80s.
Both the EURO and GFS indicate another NW flow disturbance Sunday with the potential to produce additional showers and storms. The Monsoon season continues! Aside from a slight decline in temperatures, little change is expected to close out the holiday weekend.
Here's what guidance is suggesting for additional rainfall between now and Sunday. Let's hope it turns out lighter than shown.
The EURO
The GFS
Monsoon season or not, that's all I've got for now. Have a good "dry" day and roll weather.
SPEND SOME TIME US. MY 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?
