STEAMY, PERHAPS STORMY

A few widely scattered showers and storms dotted the landscape of my southern and eastern counties, Thursday. Here and there a few downpours were noted, but overall coverage and amounts were down. By all accounts, Friday should be a rare rain free day, with typical July temperatures in the low to mid 80s. After that, we open the door to some real summer like weather that will feature heat, very high humidity, and potentially some strong storms.

We'll tackle the heat and humidity first, which manifests itself in the form of extremely sultry conditions beginning Saturday that really ramps up Sunday and Monday. In this instance, the heat won't be anything out of the ordinary for July. The highest readings will get are the low to mid 90s. Here's the meteogram for the Quad Cities showing a peak high of 92 before readings cool dramatically the middle of next week, dropping back into the 70s.

Where things get ugly is with the amount of humidity that accompanies the warmth. Dew points on the GFS are shown reaching into the range of 75-79 both Sunday and Monday. Two factors are driving the humidity. One is a tropical air mass. The other is the maturing corn crop, which through the process of evapotranspiration (sweating), adds additional moisture to the air. Look at these dew points indicated late Sunday afternoon.

That kind of moisture sends the heat index values into the range of 100-107 Sunday afternoon. The corn won't be the only thing sweating! Monday could be just as bad or a tad worse in spots. Overnight lows will also remain toasty, well into the 70s, due to the high moisture levels.

We've established the fact we are in for a few scorching days. The big wild card in the sensible weather are thunderstorms. With the nose of the heat and humidity resting just north of my area, instability reaches significant levels. The low level jet and convective vorticity are likely to come into play at some point, firing strong to perhaps severe storms. Damaging winds and very heavy rains are the primary concerns. SPC indicates a severe weather threat Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Here they are.

However, with very warm air aloft, CAPPING may be a limiting factor for storms, especially in the south Saturday and Sunday. Further north, storms are at least a potential factor all 3 days. To me, Saturday night (and to a greater degree Monday evening) are when the chances are highest. The daytime hours of all 3 days should be largely dry and quite sticky.

Some very impressive CAPE (potential energy) is indicated all three days. Sunday and Monday values over 4,000 j/kg. are being displayed on the GFS. This is Sunday. Despite all the potential energy, if the CAP holds it's all contained, and we have ourselves a nothingburger.

Either way, that's a very explosive atmosphere if the CAP can be punctured. If it does, storms will grow rapidly and quickly become strong. In this type of pattern, the most likely time for storm development would be late in the day or overnight, when the low level jet comes into play and the CAP is weaker. I will also mention some models, such as the GFS, keep a staunch CAP in place and limit thunderstorms, even late Monday. Models will get a better handle on the situation as mesoscale details are resolved as we get closer to any specific day.

One thing seems certain, and that's the fact this is a relatively short burst of impactful weather. The jet buckles quickly and a surge of cool, much drier air dives rapidly into the Midwest. This is the 500mb jet Wednesday on the EURO.

The heat is rapidly reduced to below normal levels Wednesday through next weekend. Short and sweet as the saying goes.

Meanwhile, we get the weekend off to a warm, quiet start. Enjoy today, before we turn up the heat! Roll weather...TS

THE REVIEWS ARE SPECTACULAR. 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?