POPCORN SHOWERS...

Friday was a full on day of cool air advection thanks to a deepening trough of low pressure digging into the Midwest. Steep lapse rates caused by differential heating (warm air at the surface and cool air aloft) generated enough afternoon instability for what we call popcorn showers. In other words, just like Orville Redenbacher's product, they randomly pop up when daytime heating is sufficient. You can see by way of Thursday's afternoon Doppler radar, there was no rhyme or reason as to where they developed, they are purely the result of instability, with minimal forcing or vorticity.

Here's the upper air low over Wisconsin responsible for the unsettled pattern, one that looks locked in place now for much of the coming week.

With the loss of daytime heating, the atmosphere was able to regain stability overnight and the showers gradually dissipated. That leaves us with a quiet day Saturday with only a slight chance of a late afternoon or evening showers. Pleasant temperatures are expected. Under partly sunny skies, highs should hold in the upper 70s to near 80.

Going forward, I don't truly see another widespread heavy rain event within the next 7 days. However, with a diurnally driven pattern, isolated to scattered afternoon showers and weak thunderstorms remain a threat from time to time through the weekend and into next week. In general, the upper level flow becomes stagnant due to a vast trough spanning much of the nation east of the Rockies. The weak flow aloft results in a lack of significant shortwave energy that might otherwise ignite stronger storms. Also, unlike the past few weeks, there is no strong low level jet to enhance rainfall, and far less moisture to work with even if there was. Diurnal heating will provide the majority of any forcing with only weak short waves, just enough to cause some nuisance showers and storms but not enough to produce any widespread signal of heavy rain.

Beyond that, instability looks meager, with CAPE around 1000 j/kg or less. To sum it all up, widely scattered showers and a few storms are possible most days, mainly in the afternoon and evening. Not every location will see them, and generally they should be light and brief in nature. There will be many dry hours. Here's what models indicate for rainfall through next Thursday.

THE EURO

The GFS

The Weather Prediction Center

As for temperatures, we have little to complain about here. Highs and lows will be comfortable, with none of the heat and humidity July is known for. The EURO meteogram shows this for temperatures in the Quad Cities through next Friday.

The GFS is similar but even a couple degrees cooler.

If you feel you are missing out on good old-fashioned summer weather, don't despair, there is still plenty of time for that. In fact, the GFS by July 21st has a much warmer look at 500mb with building heights and a zonal flow aloft.

The corresponding temperature departures would fall under the classification of toasty.

Well there you have it on a Saturday in July. Nothing like a short week. Enjoy what's left of the holiday weekend and roll weather...TS

SPEND SOME TIME AT MY PLACE. 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 vie

ws 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?