RIDGE RIDERS...

The past couple of days have been interesting ones from the standpoint of heat, humidity, and thunderstorms rotating around a heat dome perched over the SC United Stated. So far, the true heat has been situated from SW Iowa into Kansas and Missouri, as evidenced by Tuesday's heat index values there of 100–106 degrees.

That's had a tremendous impact regionally, since ridge riding thunderstorms have been found along the northern periphery of the heat. Its lack of movement has kept storms and their heavy rains confined to a band that has just clipped my SW counties. Even further west than that, torrential rains in the heart of the "ring of fire" have produced 3-6 inch totals from just SE of Des Moines to about Mt. Pleasant. More storms are entering that region Tuesday night, so those numbers could grow even larger by daybreak Wednesday.

The clouds and cooling effect of thunderstorm outflow has not allowed the more significant heat to advance further east into my area, creating an atmospheric stalemate. Models "had" indicated a stronger push of steamy air overspreading the bulk of my area by underestimating the cooling effect of storms. Proof of that are the heat index values the GFS showed for Tuesday, indicating a maximum of 109 in Keokuk. In actuality, nothing verified there higher than 89. That's a major model bust that I indicated was a real possibility the night before. Here's the inflated numbers from the GFS less than 18 hours before the event Wednesday.

This modifying effect is again going to be something to deal with the next couple of days, or until we can suppress the heat dome entirely late week and get rid of storms. Back to the ring of fire, this satellite image shows the clustering of storm complexes Tuesday traveling SE along the instability axis defined as CAPE, convective allowing potential energy.

Wednesday, you can see the EURO indicates more explosive CAPE values of 6,000 j/kg over NW Iowa later in the afternoon. That indicates the primary instability is still in the same general area as it was Tuesday.

Even so, there is still plenty of CAPE and instability to work with locally, and some convective allowing models are sending the remnants of an MCS through the region Wednesday morning. Where it forms and tracks is a bit in question. SE Iowa is certainly favored. Should it develop, it's likely to weaken and dissipate as it lifts out by early afternoon. The simulated radar on the 3k NAM shows this for storms at 11:00am after they push NE out of my southern counties.

Surface temperatures are expected to end up similar or a few degrees warmer Wednesday, assuming we don't see too much in the way of debris clouds in the afternoon. Highs should hit the mid to perhaps upper 80s. Heat Index values will increase as well, especially in the south, ranging from 90 north to the upper 90s south. Pretty juicy! I do caution that models are all over the board with convection, which leaves temperatures and heat index values subject to significant change.

This 500mb depiction shows impressive short wave energy Wednesday morning surging out of the Plains. It won't reach my area until late Wednesday evening, but it should kick up some strong storms when it hits the high CAPE in NW Iowa. These could develop into a strong complex with their own cold pool driving them east. What remains of them should arrive in my area later Wednesday night.

They will enter an extremely moist air mass, which means they will have the potential to dump 1-2 inch rains in a short time, with available water vapor well over 2.25 inches.

If the atmosphere recovers sufficiently from the early storms, the potential would exist for some strong winds Wednesday night, especially if a squall line forms ahead of the short wave. The question is what remains of their intensity when they reach our area? We'll know more on that Wednesday afternoon. SPC does show an enhanced level 3 risk of severe weather to our west. Much of my area is in a level 2 slight risk.

Scattered storms will remain a possibility Thursday ahead of an advancing cool front. Another warm, muggy day is anticipated before storms develop in the afternoon and spread SE. Highs again should reach the mid to upper 80s.

Most of the rain is over by Friday, and the remainder of the weekend looks dry and warm. If nothing else, we avoided the worst of the extreme heat and humidity our friends to the west will experience. The trade-off could very well be the storms we see on its northern edge. As the saying goes, if it ain't one thing, it's another. 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?