Iowa (RI) — 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.
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.
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.
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.
(Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)
