Iowans have seen radical temperature swings lately, with highs in the 80s followed by snowfall days later, but one outlet predicts the summer ahead will be stuck on one setting: steamy.
Sandi Duncan, editor of the Farmer’s Almanac, warns Iowans had better stock up on sunscreen.
“I hope you’re ready for some heat, because the heat is on for this summer, and in fact, we do think there’s going to be some possible record breakers,” Duncan says. “It does look like it’s going to be a very warm summer for you guys, so be prepared.”
Since 1818, the almanac has been using a proprietary formula to forecast the weather, based on historical and celestial factors. Duncan says Iowa’s long-running bouts with drought will likely return this summer.
“Looking ahead, the Farmer’s Almanac is saying this should be about average on rainfall, so that’s good, not too wet, not too dry,” Duncan says, “however, with the very hot temperatures, you can imagine that you might have to do some supplemental watering for your garden or for your irrigation systems, because it’s going to be a hot one for sure.”
The almanac predicts thunderstorms for the 4th of July in Iowa this year, and she suggests making plans either for the next day or to be indoors. Duncan says Iowa will be far from alone in trying to beat the summer heat.
“As we do, the long-range weather forecast does look like it’s going to be quite hot in almost every area,” Duncan says. “We are seeing some very dry conditions out in the California area, which is kind of concerning with all the wildfires that happen out there.”
Last year, Des Moines saw 27 days with temperatures at or above 90 degrees, with the highest temperature of 99 degrees set last August 26th.
The Lewiston, Maine-based almanac boasts a forecast accuracy rate of 80% to 85%. The prognosticating formula was developed more than two centuries ago, based on factors including sunspot activity, planet positions, and the effect the Moon has on the Earth. Besides long-term weather predictions, the Farmers’ Almanac also contains a wealth of information on gardening, cooking, home remedies, folklore, managing your household, living in harmony with nature, and more.
(Additional reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)