OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER

2024 got off to a wet start and for the most part, the precipitation has never really stopped around the Midwest. Through yesterday, much of the area north of I-80 is having one of its wettest years in 132 years of record. In fact, by climate districts, most of southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Iowa is currently ranked somewhere in the top 4 of all years. Our cup runneth over!

Here's the 2024 rainfall totals across Iowa. Much of the northern and EC sections of the state have compiled 30–35 inches of precipitation. Lowden in my area tops the list with just under 34 inches. Other areas around Dubuque, Jackson, and Delaware counties are not far behind with amounts of 30 to 31 inches.

These are the statewide rainfall departures. Some parts of NW and NC Iowa are more than 18 inches above normal. With 5 months to go in 2024, several places have already exceeded the expected yearly rainfall. There's some fine-looking corn and soybeans and no shortage of hay this year.

Finally, after 4 days of scattered showers and storms, the bulk of my area had a welcome dry day Thursday. These are Doppler rain totals from around the Midwest Thursday.

The focus going forward will be another nice day Friday before warmer and more humid air builds back into the Midwest by the end of the weekend into next week. Models have been advertising the change for several days but have been struggling a bit determining the amplitude of the heat dome. The EPO (eastern Pacific Oscillation) continues in a positive phase and largely keeps that phase until the end of the month. That could play in our favor as it implies a sympathetic trough (be it somewhat weak) over the Great Lakes into early next week. The resultant NW flow is evidence that there may be enough residual NW flow to keep the worst of the heat situated just to the west until the EPO takes a negative turn around August 1.

The implication of this development is that the heat and extreme humidity should be tempered or at least delayed until later next week. That's not to say it won't get sticky, but the latest trend is for the EURO to shave a few degrees off highs and hold dew points in the 70-75 degree range. That's no picnic, but heat index values would be more like 95-100 instead of the 105–110 levels indicate previously. The EURO EPS control indicates this for highs in the Quad Cities the next 2 weeks.

Here you can see the NW flow at 500mb Tuesday, there's just enough to block the worst of the steam from fully invading.

Several days later (August 4th), the 500mb flow flattens on the GFS, which would give the heat an opening to surge east by next weekend. The EURO does show something resembling that, but quickly buckles the flow back to the NW, shutting down any harsh heat after a couple of days. That seems to be a reasonable solution to me, and I'm leaning that way. The EURO meteogram above shows a 2-week temperature trend that reflects that idea.

While we may escape the really mean stuff, this new structure aloft brings precipitation more into play without the negative effects of capping that higher heat would have generated. Timing showers and storms is going to be very challenging due to mesoscale features that will be changing daily. However, I can already see chances of scattered storms as early as Sunday, Monday, and perhaps Tuesday. Severe weather does not look like a big concern, but pockets of heavy rain could be an off-shoot of the pattern. It will be muggy with highs generally in the low to mid 80s, although Tuesday could be hotter in the upper 80s to near 90. Here's what the EURO and GFS depict for rainfall Sunday-Tuesday.

The EURO

The GFS

Before the long range challenges begin, our Friday looks to be straight forward with warm sunny conditions. Highs should be on par for late July, in the range of 81-85. Enjoy and have a superb weekend. 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?