CRUISING THROUGH SUMMER

Here we are in the heart of summer, entering the doldrums of the dog days. Yet, as I look at the remainder of July, I don't see much evidence of the heat and humidity this time of year is noted for. For example, these are the temperatures the EURO indicates through July 28th. The eleven-day average high temperature is 78.8 degrees. Really!

Friday morning, the EURO forecasts these temperature departures. Crack those windows.

When you dig into the teleconnections, there are strong signals that models have the right idea. This is the EPO (eastern Pacific Oscillation). The negative phase is an indicator that a strong ridge is in place (or is going to be in place) over the Pacific NW or western Canada.

That feature is readily visible in red Sunday evening, extending from Alaska to the northern Rockies.

If you follow the 500mb height contours above, they deliver cool, dry air to locations east of the Rockies. That fits what's a negative EPO response would be expected to deliver.

Further supporting the idea is the MJO (Madden Julien Oscillation). This teleconnection, based on the location of convection in the tropical Pacific, is measured by the presence of the MJO in one of 8 different phases. The EURO cycles the MJO out of phase 5 into 6, 7, and eventually 8 the remainder of July. It's hard to see, but I've indicated the start and end date of the cycle with the blue dotted line indicating the daily progression through those phases.

To the right, the six panels there, indicate the typical temperature and precipitation analogs for phases 6, 7, and 8. You can see they are all bullish on cooler than normal temperatures. Each phase is also near to below normal on precipitation, with the heavier amounts across the southern U.S. where the deeper moisture resides.

The long range U.S. climate model, the CFSv2, has a similar MJO look as the EURO, only it goes out to mid-August. If it has the right idea, this cooler trend would continue through the second week of August. I'm not ready to bite on that, but I sure do think the next 8–10 days will be quite comfortable for the hottest time of the year.

In fact, August 3rd the GFS is showing highs as much as 15 degrees below normal. We shall see.

Precipitation is always harder to quantify, but at least through the coming weekend the EURO keeps my region dry.

Going out even further, the EURO depicts precipitation totals over the next 10 days that look like this.

Those amounts, if correct, are well below normal across the board. We could use a little of that right now.

As it currently looks, we are in for some top-notch weather as high pressure rules the roost through the weekend. This satellite shows the expanse of dry, rain free air that covers the central U.S.

So there you have it, chamber of commerce weather to start the weekend. Nobody will have it any better than we will. Aren't we special! Have a solid Friday 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?