STRESS DEGREE DAYS...

With September knocking on the door, we've got a pretty good picture of how the summer has fared in terms of heat. As one would expect, there were a couple stretches of hot and intensely humid weather. However, taken at face value, summer temperatures as a whole (June-August), are coming in a little below average. The obvious way to measure that is through actual readings on the thermometer. There is another way though and that's by way of stress degree days.

SSD days are a measure of how much hot weather has been found based on the number of days above 86 degrees. For example, a day with a high of 88°F would accumulate two units, whereas a day with a high of 78°F would accumulate zero. The chart below, generated through the Iowa Mesonet, ranks accumulated SDDs by climate district so far this summer compared to 132 years of record. A rank of one, would indicate the largest accumulation of SSD's and a scorching summer. Most of my area this year is clustered in the 80-85 SSD range, far from the top and well below average. In other words, we've had a comfortable summer with a limited amount of stressful heat.

The majority of what heat we had this summer was centered in mid-June, especially the period June 12th through the 25th. Only once, since June 25th have we had a day with an average temperature greater than 5 degrees above normal. That's a nice run of pleasant temperatures.

It won't happen for a couple of days, but a late summer surge of heat and humidity is slated to arrive on Sunday, reaching its apex Monday and Tuesday. That leaves us with a couple more comfortable days in the mid to upper 70s Thursday and Friday. Clouds are likely to increase Friday as warm advection from the approaching heat enters the picture. The EURO does show a few showers and storms by Friday evening, but dry air should preclude much of that from reaching my area. A better chance for storms exists Saturday night when a warm front puts the region on the nose of the low level jet carrying very warm humid air. A few soakers are possible.

Sunday rain chances depart in the morning as the warm front lifts northeast. In its wake, very muggy conditions settle in Sunday afternoon that last through Tuesday. Highs should approach 90 Sunday and are likely to exceed that threshold in most spots Monday and Tuesday. By then, tropical moisture has invaded the Midwest, with water vapor exceeding 2 inches.

With highs in the low 90s Monday, that should generate heat index values of 100-105, with similar conditions expected Tuesday. Sunday will be no picnic either, with a heat index in the mid to upper 90s. Heat headlines are likely, particularly Monday and Tuesday. Some models indicate the high heat could carry into Wednesday, especially across the south

A weak front is expected to drift SE into the region Tuesday night, and it may spark a few storms. The latest trends, at least on the EURO, show the front stalling out in my southern counties Wednesday. That would produce some relief from the heat in my northern counties but allow another steamy day across the south. With the front wavering around the region into Thursday, there will be plenty of instability to generate the threat of scattered showers and thunderstorms both Wednesday and Thursday. Mesoscale details yet unknown will determine where and when the best storm chances will occur. With high moisture levels, the possibility of some locally strong and heavy storms exists in narrow corridors.

Come Friday, the cold front is through, ending rain chances and eventually bringing cooler and drier air into the region for next weekend. Here's the EURO meteogram showing the nice weather the next couple of days, the surge in readings late weekend and mid-week, and the ensuing cool-down expected next weekend.

Suffice it to say, we are set to ride the roller coaster of weather the next week, going from cool and comfortable to hot and steamy before finishing the cycle with a return to pleasant weather next weekend. Buckle up 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?