PAYBACK...

Averages are comprised of extremes, there's nothing profound about that statement. However, when it comes to average temperatures in the Midwest, a month might end up close to normal at its conclusion, but in reality, its temperatures could be all over the board. We see that quite often in spring and fall when seasonal transitions occur involving warm and cold air masses.

Here are the temperature departures so far in Dubuque this July. Not a single day has been warmer than 87. Of the first 24 days, 15 have been below normal. 9 days, highs haven't even gotten out of the 70s. That is not the kind of July heat I remember as a kid. In fact, just based on the amount of time I've been able to keep the windows open, I would say the month is averaging quite a bit below normal. However, as it stands now, we are only 0.7 below average!

How can this be? The answer is in the low temperatures. 13 have been above normal, several by 5–8 degrees. Clouds and frequent rain systems have caused highs to be cooler and lows to be warmer, creating an overall wash.

The past 4 days, scattered showers and storms have popped up somewhere in my area, with amounts varying widely between no rain at all in the south to as much as 3 inches local spots NE of the Quad Cities. The spotty nature of the rains have made them hard to forecast, a common problem with storms that are instability driven. These are 3 day rainfall totals ending Wednesday.

The good news is that the set-up responsible for these hit-and-miss rains is finally weakening. While a few stray showers are still possible in the south Thursday, mainly early, we are on the final leg of this event. For most, the day will see considerable sunshine and highs ranging from 80 north to 84 south.

Friday and Saturday also look dry and seasonal, with highs in the low to mid 80s. The bottom line is, some pretty good weather is in the cards through Saturday.

PAYBACK...

I mentioned the fact we haven't seen an over-abundance of hot weather this summer, in particular 90 degree days. There are indications, that's about to change in much of the long range period. I don't see extreme heat, but highs could hover around 90 for a prolonged period beginning next week. Look what the EURO EPS control is showing for highs the next 2 weeks.

What you don't see are the very high moisture levels that will accompany the warmth. Virtually every day, starting Sunday through August 9th the GFS shows dew points in the 70s, often times in the range of 75-80. The extreme moisture levels and highs in the low 90s could generate intense heat index values of 105 or more a couple of days. These are the dew points indicated a week from now, August 1st. I see several as high as 82 degrees. That is OPPRESSIVE! Let's hope that goes down in coming days.

That would create heat index values as high as 112 the afternoon of August 1st. 105-110 are common place. This is not a certainty yet, but is a concerning trend.

Here's the 500mb flow shown on the EURO that day. Note the heat dome situated over Oklahoma. You can also see a short wave on the norther periphery of the heat cutting across the Dakotas. The ring of fire is situated just north across Minnesota, with an active thunderstorm track expected to be found along it. This could be close enough to allow some storms to bleed into the area from time to time, especially across my northern counties.

The EURO certainly implies that potential, with many areas seeing more than 2 inches of rain (or more) between Sunday July 28th and August 7th.

The details of the potential heat, humidity, and any storms are still simmering due to some disagreement on just how far NE the worst of the steam can penetrate. We won't miss it entirely, but there is at least a chance we can keep it more manageable. More on that in coming posts. Have a solid day 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?