NOW YOU SEE IT...

The first half of summer, we saw it, (the rain that is). The second half, things went dry and that trend has escalated to a level now that's allowed one of the driest falls on record to date. Cedar Rapids had it's driest September on record with no measurable precipitation, and since late August has seen only 2 days with measurable rain. The 54-day total has amounted to a miniscule .06 inches! These are the rainfall deficits the past 30 days around the Midwest.

Going back 60 days, parts of my region have built up deficits of more than 5 inches.

The surplus over the southeast was due largely to hurricane Helene, a hugely proficient rain producer.

THE CAVALRY IS MOUNTING

Just when things are looking really grim, the cavalry seems to be circling to the rescue, with several chances for beneficial rain in the next 10–14 days. Here's what the rainfall departures look like over the next 2 weeks on the EURO and the GFS.

The GFS

The EURO weeklies are doubling down, showing these departures for the 46-day period ending December 8th.

This change in fortunes is tied to a developing trough over the western United States. The EURO shows its version of the 10-day mean trough for the period October 29th- November 8th. This long wave pattern focuses a high amplitude steering flow armed with moisture aimed directly at the Midwest. On the baroclinic border of warm and cold air, the region looks to be within the spawning ground that's fertile for multiple short waves. As they pass, each has the capability of producing much needed precipitation.

Timing the energy as it ejects out of the mean trough will be a bit tricky, but model solutions seem to be in decent agreement that the trough will organize by early next week with several systems to follow from October 30th to November 7th.

Preceding that, a short wave trough comes at us from the central Plains Thursday night. By daybreak, the energy now over Idaho will be entering Nebraska.

By mid-evening Thursday, a 40kt low level jet punches into moisture feeding northward ahead of the system. The divergent jet structure, decent lapse rates, and CAPE of up to 1,000 j/kg will allow elevated convection to develop. The stronger updrafts may be able to produce a few hailers. The bigger threat will be some locally heavy downpours with water vapor exceeding 1.25 inches. The best axis of warm air advection appears to be showing near and south of I-80, where some rain totals greater than 1 inch are possible. Most areas have a good shot at totals of 1/4 to 3/4's of an inch, with the north seeing the lighter amounts. Here's what models are currently suggesting for rain totals Thursday night. It moves out quickly east of the river early Friday.

The 3k NAM

The HRRR

The EURO

The GFS

The GEM

After this departs, the weekend will be dry and seasonally cool, with highs in the upper 50s north to low to mid 60s elsewhere.

Next week ahead of a cold front, temperatures make a major surge Tuesday and could very well end up in the 80s, which is a big accomplishment this late in the year. The warmth ends with a chance of showers and storms Wednesday night, following highs well into the 70s.

Following a short break, models punch another disturbance into the region Saturday, November 2nd. That brings another shot of storminess and ends with a sharp turn to colder temperatures, November 3rd and 4th.

There's lots of weather on the table the next couple of weeks, and I couldn't be happier after 2 months of a nothingburger. Bring it on. 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?