Summer in Iowa, and really in the Midwest in general, is filled with crazy weather, fun activities, and is busy for almost everyone. Here's a few things you can expect from an Iowa Summer.
1. Extreme heat.
It's not always super hot but when it is, it's really hot. Like cancel-the-softball-and-baseball-games, stay inside, or go-to-the-pool-all-day hot.
2. Humidity.
The humidity is unreal at some points, like you just walk outside and you're not sweating, but all this moisture is dripping off of you. It's weird and uncomfortable.
3. Cold mornings.
Some mornings, until about 10 or 11 o'clock, it's anywhere from 40-60 degrees, which is a little chilly for shorts and a t-shirt so be sure to keep at least one sweatshirt handy from time to time.
4. Five minute thunderstorms.
You'll look outside at 2:55 and then look out again 3:00 and it's dark and pouring down rain, but then at 3:05, it's sunny again. It's a bit strange, but you get used to it.
5. Sunshine and rainfall at the same time.
Sometimes, you'll think it's a beautiful day outside, but all of a sudden it starts to rain. And no, there was no chance of rain that day, it just decided it was going to rain today for a little bit, but keep the sun shining.
6. Severe weather.
Tornados, flash flooding, crazy thunderstorms, large hail, and damaging winds are all possible in Iowa.
7. Basically any ridiculous weather situation you could imagine.
Within reason of course, for example it won't be cloudy with a chance of meatballs, but I know of a couple who experienced sunshine, rain, hail, sleet, and even a little snow, all on their wedding day which was during the Summer.
8. Big talk about the upcoming county fairs.
Everyone's talking about the big stars coming to perform at their county fair, and the other grandstand events, in attempt to one up each other. Kids are prepping their animals for show in the county fair, and emotionally prepping themselves for when they have to auction them off, if they've chosen that.
9. The 4th of July.
It's always a big deal on the 4th of July. Fireworks, fishing, parades, and picnics all take place.
10. "Knee high by 4th of July."
"Knee high by 4th of July" is a common phrase around here and if you don't know what it means, it's a guideline for farmers that their corn stalks should be as high as their knees by the time 4th of July comes around.
11. Lawn mowing late at night.
When it's really hot outside, people will wait to mow their lawns until it's dark out or past sunset to mow their lawns because it's dark and cooler outside.
12. Bugs.
The bugs are terrible this time of year, especially the mosquitoes and gnats. Ugh, stock up on the bug spray.
13. Windburn.
Yes, you can get burned by the wind, and it makes your face hurt for a few days afterwards.
14. Sunburn.
If you're fair skinned, you get burnt. A lot. So you better stock up on the sunscreen.
15. Allergies.
Those allergy pills you stopped taking for a while? Yeah, you might want to dig those out again because you'll be sneezing until your nose falls off if you don't.
16. Summer activities.
Softball, baseball, swimming lessons, tennis, basketball camp, weightlifting, cross country training, football camp, it's all happening this Summer and it might feel busier than a normal school year.
17. Fun!
So many fun memories are made during the Summer. Whether it be with friends, family, or your dog, you'll always remember Summer.
So, whether your Summer is filled to the brim with activities and vacations, or you're just taking it easy this Summer, from crazy weather to things to stock up on, that's what you can expect out of an Iowa Summer.
