TRANSITION DAY...

Much better weather was observed around the region Wednesday, following a night of intense thunderstorms in my southern counties. A down burst produced damaging winds in Burlington where gusts of 70-80 mph were indicated. Numerous reports of severe weather were indicated on a line from NW Missouri to SE Iowa northeast on to Chicago.

The storms also dumped significant rains, especially near and south of I-80, where Galva reported 2.60 inches. Little if any rain fell north of HWY 30.

High pressure behind the system was less than impressive, but still strong enough to produce a noticeable drop in temperatures and a more tolerable brand of humidity Wednesday. The quiet weather is not expected to last long, as a vigorous short wave descends on the area late Thursday and Thursday night. Moisture pools ahead of it, with dew points reaching the mid 70s in many areas.

That combined with highs in the mid to upper 80s will create another uncomfortable day, especially in the south where heat index values may reach the upper 90s. The N/NE should fare a bit better.

The combined effects of the moisture and warmth will generate considerable instability, with CAPE expected to push 3,000 j/kg in the west and south. Much of the day should remain dry, with the forcing for storms still to the west. Towards evening and especially overnight, the front plods east, providing the spark for scattered showers and storms across the region.

While a few strong storms are possible, they are more likely further northwest due to the timing of the front. SPC shows that with a slight risk assessment in that area.

With abundant water vapor in place, the stronger updrafts certainly have the potential to produce some downpours which would be welcome across the north where rain has been absent for some time. Here's what models are suggesting for rainfall totals. Consistency is not great, meaning confidence in amounts is less than expected at this point in the game. We will know much more by midday Thursday, but my feeling now is that my NW counties should see the lions share of the rain.

The EURO

The GFS

The 3k NAM

The HRRR

Any lingering showers should work their way out of the region by midday Friday, to be followed by clearing skies and a shift to northerly winds. Highs in most areas will be held to the upper 70s to low 80s.

THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Some sensational weather is slated for the holiday weekend (and the start of the college football season), with NW flow bringing dry weather, cooler temperatures, and a major dip in humidity. Temperatures start mild near 80 Saturday and eventually turn fall-like Sunday and especially Monday (Labor Day) when readings may not climb out of the low 70s. The EURO meteogram shows this for readings in the Quad Cities through next Tuesday. That's a keeper!

This turn to fall temperatures may be a thing we see more of by mid-September. This is the 500mb flow the EURO indicates September 9th.

Look at the temperature departures that produces across the upper Midwest. That pattern has the makings of some very crisp lows well into the 40s if it comes to pass.

So, just one more day of the muggies, and it's bye bye heat and humidity for the next week! Make it a solid day and as always, 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?