WITH A VENGEANCE...

The dog days of August are known for hazy, lazy weather with an abundance of heat and humidity. We're going to get some of that soon, but meantime we sure can't complain with the average high temperature the last 18 days in the Quad Cities of 78.7 degrees. That's about as good as it gets for a stretch that long in August.

In fact, when you look at the growing season as a whole, there's been plenty of rain and minimal heat. It's no wonder corn and beans are thriving, and the harvest this year should be a bin buster for many a farmer. It doesn't necessarily help prices, but at least the hoppers should be full when the combines come out. Here's the percentage of corn in Midwest states in good to excellent condition. Around Iowa and Illinois, only about 25% of the crop is not considered in that category.

Beans are doing well too, especially in Iowa and Missouri, with percentages up considerably from last year.

HERE COMES SUMMER...

Like it or not, summer is coming at us with a vengeance later this weekend into the middle of next week. Considering the NWS in the Quad Cities has only had 1, 90 degree high over the past 40 days (going back to July 15th), this prospect of 3 to perhaps 4 consecutive 90 degree days will be an eye-opener.

While temperatures will be hot, they won't be off the charts. The real problem will be the excessive humidity that accompanies the heat. Late Monday, the EURO is showing dew points reaching 80 degrees+. That's high end for August 26th.

That combined with highs in the 90-95 degree category will set the stage for extremely sultry conditions with heat index values of 106-110. If indeed the EURO verifies, readings that high would constitute excessive heat warnings.

Additionally, the EURO is even a bit more extreme Tuesday, with heat index values up to 114 degrees! That's about the maximum ceiling for heat index values in late August.

Below, you can see the NWS experimental heat risk product. It has a major risk outlook punching into my western counties by Sunday afternoon.

Monday, major to extreme heat is shown across most of the central Midwest. I think similar conditions are likely Tuesday, with the extreme risk potentially extended eastward into much of my area. At least on paper, this has the earmarks of a high impact round of hot weather Monday and Tuesday. Stay tuned.

Wednesday may see some small improvement with the passage of a weak front, but very warm, muggy conditions appear likely through Thursday. The EURO indicates the worst of the heat occurring Sunday through Thursday of next week. Here's its 10-day temperature meteogram.

Right now, about the only thing that could keep this from getting out of control would be thunderstorms and any remnant clouds that might buffer heating. However, it appears the only real shot for storms comes Saturday night as the heat and humidity approaches on the nose of the low level jet. Scattered storms are shown late Saturday night and perhaps a part of Sunday morning before they lift northeast along the warm front. Any lingering cloud debris will determine how warm readings get Sunday. For now, guidance is indicating mid to upper 80s, but humidity will be ample. Here's what models are indicating for potential rainfall amounts Saturday night into early Sunday.

The EURO

The GFS

After that, very warm air aloft with 850 temperatures of +23 to +27 should CAP the atmosphere significantly for any additional thunderstorm development Monday and Tuesday. That sets the stage for the high heat expected during that period, with a slight decline Wednesday.

RELIEF...

Another toasty day is likely Thursday, with pre-frontal heating ahead of a cold front. There should be enough moisture and instability to ignite at least scattered thunderstorms later in the day and part of the overnight. Timing of the front will determine the strength of any storms and their rain producing ability. Those mesoscale details are far from certain at this distance.

Eventually, cooler, drier air filters in behind the front. Maybe, just maybe, this will be the last time we see heat and humidity of this magnitude the rest of the year. At least that's my gut feeling. Have a delightful weekend 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?