RAIN MAKERS...
More often than not, weather systems generating precipitation occur on a regular basis every 3–4 days in the Midwest. The way our atmosphere is constructed, the westerlies keep systems moving steadily along to create this regularity. Occasionally, we do get blocks to form which dam up the stream, resulting in wet patterns where at some point it rains every day for a week.
What's even rarer, is to get into a situation where the block is in a spot where moisture and storms avoid us and no rain falls for a 2-3 week period. That's the position we have found ourselves in lately. In fact, if no rain has fallen by midnight Thursday, the Cedar Rapids Airport will have gone 20 consecutive days with no rainfall. That is hard to accomplish any time of the year.
Below you can see through September 18th where rain has fallen the past 14 days. There's a distinct swath through the heart of my area where raindrops have been few and far between.
This is the departure accumulated over that 2-week period.
As I've been pointing out the past few days, some subtle changes have been going on that have improved rainfall opportunities, namely the breakdown of the ridge that's blocked rain making systems. Below, you can see disturbance (number 1), that's already brought scattered showers and storms to parts of the area overnight. Lifting northeast, it departs early Friday, leaving us with dry weather the remainder of Friday and much, if not all, the day Saturday.
Later Saturday, disturbance number 2 enters the picture in the form of a slower moving disturbance with better access to forcing and moisture. Occasional showers and a few thunderstorms are likely Saturday night through Sunday night before the rain departs early Monday. It appears the potential is there for a nice rain in many parts of the region that could really use it. In other words, if you missed out Thursday night, you have another good opportunity coming up. Here's what's on the table for possible amounts.
The EURO
The GFS
As for temperatures, very warm readings will continue through Saturday, with highs in the range of 84-89. Conditions will get muggier by Saturday, with dew points on the rise. Sunday and Monday are more of a challenge as clouds and potentially rain cooled air come into play. Daytime readings Sunday may not get out of the upper 60s north, while 70s prevail elsewhere. This will put an end to a 12-day run of highs in the 80s. Monday should also see plenty of clouds, limiting highs again to upper 60s to low 70s, perhaps a bit cooler if clouds are thicker.
Longer range, I'm seeing large discrepancies among models with a potential cut-off low to start October. The degree of blocking aloft and associated phasing issues are causing havoc with models solutions that are inconsistent from one day to the next. It will take some time to see how this is eventually resolved. At least for now, there is a trend for cooler and somewhat unsettled conditions to start October. Time will tell.
I'm signing off a happy camper as a thunderstorm just passed through my place in Dubuque, dumping nearly an inch of much-needed rain in less than 1/2 hours time. It was good to see a rainmaker. Have a great 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?
