ONE TRICK PONY...

ONE-TRICK PONY

Tuesday may have been a different day, but for many, it was more of the same when it came to the sensible weather. For the 3rd consecutive day, a slow moving upper air trough provided the instability for mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. These were scattered and while some spots saw little or no rain, others had quick downpours with amounts of an inch or more. The stagnant pattern is showing little signs of movement, and more of the same is anticipated Wednesday. A kicker is on the way though that will finally send this one-trick pony packing, allowing a drier end to the week.

One thing is for sure, Tuesday's rain through midnight, was most concentrated between HWY 20 in the north and I-80 further south. Amounts over-performed from what was indicated by guidance, enhanced by an MCV, (mesoscale convective vorticity). The MCV was the leftover energy from storms that fired Monday night further northwest.

Wednesday, models are driving the remnants of another round of showers and storms that developed Tuesday night, through the area during the morning. The band focuses its heavier amounts SW of a line from Waterloo, to the Quad Cities, and on to Princeton, Illinois. With time Wednesday afternoon, a front behind the rain sags through the area, taking the majority of the rain chances with it. Some models do show some isolated showers in the SW Thursday, but they look to be few and far between. Here's what models are indicating for potential rain totals through the day Wednesday.

The EURO

The GFS

The 3k NAM

The NBM (National Blend of Models)

Temperatures Wednesday and Thursday, (actually Friday and Saturday too), look to remain fairly seasonal, generally in the range of 81-85. All things considered, humidity looks to be no more than moderate through Friday. Then, warm and very muggy air begins its assault on the Midwest later in the weekend. Next Tuesday, the GFS has dew points hitting 80 in spots. Make no mistake about it, that is extreme!

Look what that does to the heat index below, (how it feels when the heat and humidity are combined). Ouch...

The EURO is not quite as bullish and keeps the real intense humidity and heat at bay until later next week. Either way, both models bring some wicked conditions, the EURO though is several days later. It could be that models take a couple more days to get a handle on the depth and location of the heat. One scenario is that we remain on the northern fringe of the hottest air. That makes it muggy, but also places the "ring of fire" very close to the region. That would make us susceptible to occasional thunderstorm complexes starting as early as Sunday. The GFS keeps the firing zone a bit further NE and gets us more into the hot, steamy air mass with less in the way of storms. The way I see it, it's not the heat as much as the humidity that will make for impactful conditions next week. Either way, some tough weather is possible, whether it be from high heat index values greater than 100, or strong to severe storms. The jury is still out.

One thing seems apparent, and that is the fact this burst of summery weather looks to have some staying power.

The EURO shows a string of 7 consecutive days with highs in the 90s and plenty of humidity.

CPC indicates a strong chance of above normal temperatures in the 6-10 day outlook, July 29-August 2nd.

Slightly above normal chances of precipitation are shown for the same period. Depending on the location of the jet and the ring of fire on its northern periphery, I could see a swath of higher rain potential in some part of the central Midwest in future outlooks.

Here's the upper air pattern at 500mb, August 6th. If it verifies, it implies some good old-fashioned steam to start the month of August. Summer looks to have some fight left in the tank!

That's where I'll leave it this time around. Roll weather....TS

PEOPLE LOVE IT. 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?