CREAM OF THE CROP...

I was just looking over the July statistics here in Dubuque and was impressed at the amount of highs in the 70s. So far, 7 of the month's 19 days, highs have remained in the 70s. That's very hard to do when the sun is as strong and direct as it is at this time of year.

To date, the highest temperature so far this month has been 87 degrees. Typically in July, Dubuque averages 2.6 days with highs in the 90s. Further south, the number is substantially higher, with Moline averaging 8.1 days and Burlington 8.2

One of the big reasons for the lack of heat is the combination of rain, cloud cover, and a tendency for NW flow much of the month. 11 of the first 16 days had at least a trace of rain. Also, previous months have experienced above normal rainfall, leading to soils being wetter than they would typically be in July. Wet soils are a restrictive factor when it comes to heat. Below, you can see how wet the first half of July was in Dubuque. Similar conditions were noted around the rest of my area.

This radar image Friday afternoon shows the quiet nature of the weather from Iowa and Minnesota east.

Despite the fact there was no rain Friday, there was just enough cool air aloft to produce a large fair weather cumulus field. The day started sunny, but daytime heating generated the thermal updrafts to produce passing clouds despite the stable pattern that's in place. After sunset, clouds quickly cleared and with light winds and dry air, temperatures Saturday morning are nice and fresh in the 50s.

Some heavier clouds are depicted in far western Iowa that indicates a disturbance that, while weak, will be a small thorn in our side for several days to come. Saturday itself remains dry but Sunday through Thursday a weak upper air low cuts off at 500mb. That means it's dislodged from the westerlies and will only slowly drift across the Midwest. This animation shows the impulse slowly gyrating around the Midwest and Great Lakes, Saturday through Wednesday.

It's associated cool pool aloft will be just strong enough to produce some widely scattered showers or sprinkles. These are expected to be diurnal in nature and most likely will occur in the afternoon or early evening Sunday-Thursday. Coverage should be widely scattered and somewhat random, as the showers are mainly instability driven. Rainfall is expected to be light to perhaps moderate, heaviest in any localized spots that see a quick downpour in a thunderstorm. All things considered, there will be many dry hours, Here's what models are indicating for rainfall over the period ending next Thursday.

The EURO

The GFS

The National Blend of Models (NBM)

Until this pattern breaks late next week, temperatures should continue to be slightly below normal thanks to periods of clouds and any hit-and-miss showers. The EURO meteogram shows readings mainly in the low 80s in the Quad Cities over the next seven days.

To be clear, the weather turns a bit more unsettled towards Sunday and early next week. However, it won't be hot, overly humid, and any rain should be short in duration and confined mainly to the late afternoon. Have a sensational weekend and 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?