SEND IT PACKING...
There was no doubt what season it was Tuesday. High heat and intense humidity brought heat index values of 100 to 109 degrees, it felt like summer to me. Here's some of the feel like temperatures around 4:00pm. Cedar Rapids, with a dew point of 78 was the steam leader cranking our a heat index of 109.
As you would expect, the combination of heat and humidity drove exceptional instability. CAPE (potential energy) reached as high as 6,000 j/jg in the afternoon.
Throw in a cold front and the forcing was there to break the CAP allowing thunderstorms to explode along HWY 30 corridor around 4:00pm. Many of the storms exhibited rotation and some small but brief tornadoes were noted. This one was captured by Bob Lee near Ely, Iowa (just south of Cedar Rapids). It caused minor damage to some trees, corn, and power lines before lifting.
The biggest issue with the storms was intense rainfall in the stronger updrafts. Several flash flood warnings were issued, which was fully anticipated with available water vapor pushing 2.50 inches. Most of the significant rains of 1–3 inches occurred near or south of HWY 30. Here are some Doppler estimated through Tuesday evening.
In this tighter perspective, everywhere in yellow had at least 1.25 inches. Some 3.5 inch amounts are indicated just NW of Clinton.
This continued a stretch of wet weather that goes back to March. Here's the rainfall departures for the last 90 days ending June 23rd. Much of my area shows a surplus of 2–5 inches. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of far northern Iowa report huge departures of 10–14 inches.
What a change this is from last year during that same 90-day period. Almost the entire Midwest showed substantial deficits in 2023. Drought conditions were widespread.
The exceptional wet period we are currently experiencing is causing rises on most rivers around the central Midwest, with the purple squares indicating major flooding. Significant rises on the Mississippi are expected in my area, with major stages still anticipated by the 4th of July.
In fact, the Mississippi in Rock Island is shown approaching the 18-foot level July 2nd and is still rising. Higher crests are possible, but are contingent on whatever rains fall the next 10 days.
On a positive note, cooler, drier, and less humid weather is on tap the next couple of days. Any lingering morning showers Wednesday will end early in the south and sun will overspread the entire area by afternoon. Temperatures will be 5-10 degrees cooler, which equates to highs in the low to mid 80s. Just as important, humidity will lower as the day unfolds. By mid-afternoon, the HRRR shows dew points in the low 50s north to about 60 south. That's as much as 25 degrees lower than 24 hours earlier. You will notice a big change!
Thursday will be evening better as we keep the dry air and lower temperatures to the upper 70s north to the lower 80s south. Some increase in cloud cover is expected later in the afternoon as our next rainmaker draws a bead on the region.
Friday has the makings of a mostly cloudy day, with occasional periods of showers and thunderstorms expected. How heavy the rain is remains a question that is highly dependent on moisture return. Currently, the EURO shows another inch or more.
The GFS is a bit lighter and further south, which is likely tied to less moisture. It might be on the right track.
Due to clouds and rain, temperatures in many areas may have a hard time getting out of the 70s. We'll know more on that in coming days.
For now, the coming weekend looks dry with the potential for some notable temperature swings. Highs Saturday may pop back into the mid 80s before another shot of cool, dry air arrives Saturday night. That should drop highs Sunday into the mid to upper 70s with very low humidity.
I would suggest enjoying the fresh air, as I'm seeing strong signs that heat may build again for an extended period by the 4th of July. Here's the 500mb jet stream pattern on the EURO July 9th.
That produces highs on the EURO of 108 in Keokuk, 104 in the Quad Cities, and 101 all the way to Dubuque. I will believe it when I see it. However, the trend for toasty temperatures of some degree has merit.
That's all I've got for now. Happy hump day and roll weather...TS
MY AIRBNB AWAITS YOU. SEE WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING.
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 some of 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?
