ONE MORE BISCUIT...

One more biscuit for breakfast and we would have had record highs Friday. As expected, readings soared into the low to mid 80s, just a couple degrees short of the established marks. Dubuque came within 1 degree of its record set in 1928 with a high of 84. All things considered, just another chamber of commerce day! One of the added benefits of Friday's weather was the fall colors that are beginning to blossom.

THE SCIENCE OF FALL COLOR

Two primary factors control the timing of fall foliage: daylight and temperature. This means that the further north and the higher in elevation a tree is, the earlier it will reveal its colorful canopy. Photosynthesis grinds to a halt when the days grow short in the fall, and leaves no longer have a need for their excess stores of chlorophyll.

Over the course of a month or two, the concentrations of chlorophyll diminish, allowing less concentrated chemicals such as anthocyanin and carotenoids to dominate, turning the leaf red, yellow, or orange. The rate at which this change occurs varies amongst tree species, often making it difficult to pinpoint a single peak in fall foliage.

Nevertheless, when the vast majority of trees in a specific area have full canopies of autumnal color, peak has arrived. Some areas, particularly in the forests of the upper Midwest, experience vibrant red peaks due to an abundance of maple trees, while others experience a mixture of all of fall's colors. Different trees display different colors, giving each region its own unique look. As of October 8th, moderate color was inching into my northern counties.

By October 15th, moderate to high color is expected over all by the southeast parts of my area.

October 23rd should be the weekend to watch for all you leave peepers when high to peak color covers the majority of the region. Hopefully the weather cooperates. I'm not in charge of that.

A STEP BACK...

Those 80s we soaked up Friday, get pared back in the north Saturday thanks to a cool front which slowly but steadily sinks through the region. For the most part, it should be a dry frontal passage, although recent runs do develop some post frontal showers Saturday, especially north of I-80. I'm not seeing strong support for that with the dry low levels and meager forcing that exists. However, it's worth mentioning a slight chance of a brief shower or sprinkle, but I doubt we'll see much if any rain. As for highs, they should range from the low 70s north to the low 80s south. The far south might even see some mid 80s.

A secondary front with a much stronger surge of chilly air arrives late Saturday night. Again, I don't see rain along the boundary, but cold air aloft could support passing instability clouds Sunday afternoon and Monday. A few spotty showers are even a possibility Monday in the northeast. Any rain would be light. Here's what models are indicating for rain totals Saturday through Monday.

The EURO

The GFS

The 3k NAM

Sunday, temperatures are decidedly cooler, with upper 50s north to low to mid 60s south. Monday and Tuesday are even cooler, with highs generally confined to the 50s. Tuesday appears to be the coolest day, with low to mid 50s expected.

Frost and freezing temperatures remain a threat Monday night. Come Tuesday morning lows in the upper 20s to low 30s are still showing up which means frost headlines are a distinct possibility. The GFS shows this for lows Tuesday morning.

Later next week, ridging is expected to build once again, allowing mild Pacific air a pathway into the Midwest. Above normal temperatures return, with the EURO indicating readings that look like this the next 10 days. A nice recovery after a chilly start to next week.

Sadly, precipitation prospects continue to look bleak, with little if any beneficial rain. These are the 10-day rainfall departures through October 22nd. Much of the nation is below normal on amounts.

That's a wrap for now. Have a sensational weekend 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?