REELING IN THE GOODS...

We've had more than our share of severe weather this year. According to the Storm Prediction Center, Iowa through July 17th has logged 792 reports of tornadoes, severe wind or hail.

Iowa tornadoes have been most prevalent in the southern half of the state, where 105 of the 123 tornadoes have occurred.

Illinois has been even more active, with 862 severe weather reports of the year so far.

The central part of Illinois has seen the least amount of tornado activity. The I-80 corridor has been quite active from the Quad Cities to Chicago.

By the way, the Storm Prediction Center has classified Monday's severe weather event as a "Derecho". To be classified a derecho, a storm complex must produce a swath of wind damage at least 400 miles long and at least 60 miles wide, including several well-separated significant wind gusts over 75 mph. The maximum gust in my area was 97 in Holy Cross, Iowa. The derecho alone produced 898 severe weather reports, with 16 tornadoes and 695 reports of severe wind gusts.

This time-lapse produced by the Iowa Mesonet, combines NWS RADAR, Warnings, and Local Storm Reports between 3 PM and 1 AM Tuesday. The bottom panel illustrates the persistence of significant wind gust reports, with each report having a five minute plot width. You can see that the line was producing consistent wind gusts reports for much of the late afternoon and evening hours. Additionally, EF1 rated tornadoes were confirmed within the Des Moines and Davenport metro areas as well.

At this point in the year, the NWS in the Quad Cities has issued 381 severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings. Their service area includes most of eastern Iowa and NW Illinois. That easily makes it the most since records were started in 1986. In fact, if we do not have a single warning the rest of the year, 2024 will still handily beat 2008 which went on to register 325 reports.

TAKING A TIME OUT...

Currently, our atmosphere is undergoing a major realignment, with significant impacts on the type of weather in our future. Over the next 7 days, the mean 500mb jet stream flow is indicated to look like this. That is not your typical mid-July upper air pattern. The heat dome which seared us last weekend into Monday has been forced to retrograde west into NW Arizona. A strong ridge has built over Alberta. The combination is allowing significant downstream troughing over the Midwest.

The mean 7-day temperature departures, ending July 24th, indicate pleasantly cool conditions for much of the nation east of the Rockies. You could not ask for a better time to see a thermal set-up like this.

These temperatures off the EURO through July 27th are simply sensational. Highs the next 10 days in the Quad Cities are shown holding in the mid 70s to low 80s. That is an unusual treat!

Additionally, the NW flow has cut off moisture and displaced any forcing for precipitation well to the west and south. The end result is no humidity, no heavy rain, and no severe weather. We'll be reeling in the goods the next 7 days.

Anyway, the writing is on the subway wall, the next few days including the coming weekend look sensational. Cool nights, mild days, lots of sunshine and meager humidity. Even the winds look light. Here's to some unbeatable summer conditions. 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?