SHOOTING BLANKS...

When it rains it pours, when it doesn't, this is what you get. The region is well into its 5 consecutive week with little to no rain. We're shooting blanks! Even the GOES hi-resolution satellite shows the incredible absence of clouds from the West Coast to the Ohio Valley Wednesday afternoon. The only thing in our skies was dust and some smoke from wild fires out west.

Below, you are looking at rainfall totals suggested by the EURO EPS ensemble over the next 15 days. The central Midwest remains in a very unfavorable position to see meaningful precipitation.

And really, the big picture is quite stunning in its portrayal of below normal precipitation across all the nation, aside from Florida. These are the 15-day rainfall departures across North America. Wow, that's a super quiet pattern.

This dry streak is really turning into a significant story. If the EURO control's forecast of dryness in Cedar Rapids verifies the next 15 days, the streak of no measurable rain there would reach 50 consecutive days, within striking reach of the all-time record.

To attain such a level of dryness, the atmosphere has to be in a state where it's blocked from receiving moisture and forcing. The next 7 days, the mean 500mb flow is relatively zonal and unable to tap water vapor from the Gulf. A broad expanse of high pressure extends across the nation.

The week 2 pattern extending out to October 16th still shows the primary troughs over the west and east, implying more of the same, in other words mild and dry weather over the center of the nation.

While it's not a certainty, the long range trends on today's EURO weeklies continue the dryness into November. This is what is shown for rainfall departures over the period October 3rd through November 17th. The whole eastern half of the nation is well below normal, showing large precipitation departures.

Having made my point on dryness, there are two small chances for rain looming. One comes Thursday night and the second Saturday night. Both of these systems have meager moisture to work with and with the dynamics centered further north, it should be tough to saturate the atmosphere. If we do get any showers to form, they are likely to be widely scattered and light. The best case scenario would be up to 1/10th of an inch, but the more likely outcome is little to none for most. Thursday night seems to be the best chance for anything that might settle the dust. This is what the EURO indicates for total rainfall through Sunday morning.

Temperatures remain a pleasant topic, with highs through Sunday in the range of 75-80. As we transition to more of a NW flow, readings will cool some next week, but overall remain well above normal. The EURO shows this for temperatures through mid-October.

When you get right down to it, if you don't need rain, this is a heck of a nice pattern for October. Appreciate it for what it's worth. I can remember numerous times when snow covered the ground by the last week of the month. It didn't last long, but it was a harsh reminder things can turn on a dime in October. 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?