ONCE EVERY 80,000 YEARS!
Hey you skywatchers! Get your eyeballs out there just after sunset to see the once-in-a-lifetime comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. Look west after sunset in the twilight low on the horizon. The comet will climb higher each night. It has an 80,000-year orbit, so this is your one shot and the weather looks perfect for viewing!
You should be able to see the comet with the naked eye. But a pair of decent binoculars will provide even better viewing. The comet was discovered by two separate observatories which make up its namesake, China’s Tsuchinshan (or “Purple Mountain”) Observatory and an ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in South Africa. It was documented for the first time in history as it approached the inner solar system in 2023.
The comet's dense core is about a mile across. But the comet’s tail is 18 million miles long! It should be visible all week in the western sky about 45–60 minutes after sunset.
IT'S FREEZING...
If you are out and about early this morning, you will clearly see that we have had another magical visit from Jack Frost. The first one, Tuesday morning, brought widespread frost and in some spots, the first sub-freezing temperatures. Cedar Rapids broke the sub-30 degree barrier with a low of 29 at the eastern Iowa airport. Most locations were in the range of 31-35.
Wednesday morning, with high pressure perched nearby, even lighter winds are in play, resulting in strong radiational cooling. Temperatures in most areas around the region should be in the range of 26-30 near sunrise. The 3k NAM shows morning lows hovering around these numbers.
Freeze warnings remain in effect until 9:00am for the entire region.
After the frosty start, the rest of Wednesday promises to be bright but crisp around the edges. With lots of sunshine, highs should remain in the mid to upper 50s. Fortunately, winds will be light with high pressure overhead.
WARMER DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN...
Finally, winds return to the south Thursday, initiating what will be another round of Indian Summer that includes well above normal temperatures, sunshine, and rain free conditions into early next week. The key to the warmth will be the ridge that builds over the central U.S. this weekend. You can see it at 500mb Friday morning.
You can also see temperatures relative to average are warmest over the norther tier of the nation, although most of North America east of the Rockies are quite warm.
It's likely much of my region pops into the 70s by Friday and remains there through at least the middle of next week. The EURO shows this for temperatures the next 10 days.
The GFS keeps the warmth going not only this weekend, but through Halloween weekend as well. While it remains to be seen, the GFS also indicates a strong change to dramatically colder temperatures around October 30th. It indicates temperatures going from a high of 86 in the Quad Cities the 26th, to a low of 10 the 31st. I'm very skeptical of that extreme change, but I have seen signs for several days that a much more active pattern may kick in sometime in early November
The latest weeklies off the EURO extended show total precipitation over the next 46 days of 4–5 inches, which would be a huge deal considering the rain total at my place in Dubuque the last 47 days is a paltry .05 inches. The same is true for Cedar Rapids.
What the EURO shows is more than an inch above normal for that period.
Additionally, snowfall of several inches is depicted the last week of November.
One needs to be careful not to read too much into a forecast that covers a length of 46 days, however the fact the MJO (Madden Julien Oscillation) is shown moving into phases 7 and 8 around November 1st, strongly supports colder weather.
Phases 7 and 8 are both cold in November and, just as important, phase 7 is a wet phase in the central Midwest.
So, what I'm seeing is a long term trend for colder and wetter weather sometime in early November. That is not yet set in stone, but a trend in long range guidance that I'm watching closely.
Meantime, some beautiful Indian summer weather is on the way. It will be a bit windy late week, but the overall results will be worth it. Have a splendid day 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?
