A SUMMERY SURGE...

We finally put together a fine day of weather Friday. Mostly sunny skies, limited humidity, and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s were exceptional, but a big ask in late July. There was one little fly in the ointment that may have gone unnoticed, and that was haze from wildfires to our NW. There are many of them, as you can see in the graphic below, especially in Washington. Oregon, and California. The upper level wind flow out of the N/NW directed the smoke plumes towards the Midwest.

If you focus hard on the image and disregard the brighter white clouds, the milky skies over Minnesota, Iowa, into Missouri and central Illinois, are what the smoke looks like on the GOES hi-resolution satellite.

Aside from the haze, smoke from wildfires are known for producing vibrant sunsets. I took this photograph from my deck around 8:15pm.

The khaki colored areas from Minnesota to Texas are where air quality was impacted due to smoke mixing down to the surface. Otherwise, it was a great day!

BUILDING UP A HEAD OF STEAM...

For several days now, I've been anticipating a summery surge of warm air that will be accompanied by a healthy dose of humidity. As you can see, the forecast temperatures in the Quad Cities are not what I would call hot, but they are well above normal for much of the next 2 weeks.

Where things get ugly, from time to time, is when deep tropical moisture combines with the warmth. There are several days when available water vapor (PWAT's), reach 2 inches or more in some part of my area. That happens Monday, and again Wednesday through Saturday. That level of moisture is going to get you some big dew points and high heat index numbers. For example, here's the precipitable water vapor and resulting dew points forecast by the EURO next Thursday evening.

Water vapor in inches.

Ensuing dew points reach 78-81 over my area,

That combination creates significant heat index values of 100–105 degrees next Thursday.

The potential is there for multiple days of very muggy weather and heat index values of 95–100 degrees plus. One of the issues that dictates how high they might get are thunderstorms. By all accounts, my area is going to reside on the NE edge of the heat dome, the area known as the ring of fire. Starting Sunday, there are daily chances of thunderstorms in some part of the area for at least the next 7 days. When and where, will impact CAPE (instability) as well as temperatures. If the storms are nocturnal, that increases the threat of high heat indexes. Diurnal storms would serve to decrease them. At this distance, it's impossible to see the timing of meoscale details that will drive convection. Rest assured, it will be muggy Sunday through next week, but just how mean won't be assured for more than a day or two in advance. Thus, it will be a day-to-day process to determine temperatures, the heat index, and resulting instability.

One thing I have seen over and over in my day, is that when water vapor reaches 2 inches or more, strong storms and torrential rainfall is on the table. We've already had a couple situations this summer where similar situations ended with powerful storms and big rains. The EURO and GFS, at least for now, are pointing strongly in that direction next week. Here's what they are suggesting for 2 week rainfall.

The EURO

The GFS

The bottom line, my weather friends, is that after Saturday, the weather pattern looks a bit ugly with increasing potential for very muggy conditions and potentially heavy thunderstorms on numerous days. It won't rain all the time, but when it does, gully washers are probable.

With that, I suspect you have had enough. Have a solid weekend and roll weather...TS

PEOPLE LOVE IT. 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?