Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin Should Brace for a Stormy Summer

It's only fitting that during a week where we're experiencing multi-day bouts of snow in the first week of April that we turn our attention to warmer weather.

While, at this moment, it's difficult to tell if it's winter or spring outside, warmer weather is inevitable, the Farmers' Almanac's weather outlook on summer 2024 is trending. I thought it would be an ideal time to look at what the prognosticators and weather experts are saying we'll be in for in just a matter of months.

What Did They Say About Winter 2024?:

Since 1818, the Farmers' Almanac has been regarded as the gold standard for weather predictions. Beyond being a resource to farmers, it provides everyone with a broad overview of what to expect from the weather in terms of temps and conditions. It provides the opportunity for people to get out in front of the weather, at least to the best of their abilities.

Back in August, I wrote about how the Farmers' Almanac said Iowa and parts of the Midwest were going to be a "hibernation zone" for the upcoming winter season. The Almanac predicted that Wisconsin and Illinois would be "unreasonably cold" and "snowy," and that we would see record-shattering temperatures, as cold as 40°F below zero!

Outside of that absolutely miserable week in January where we got two feet of snow and then were slapped with extreme, deadly cold, this winter was unexpectedly mild. Some outlets are even referring to it as "the lost winter."

What Does Summer 2024 Have in Store for Us?:

Here's what the Farmers' Almanac is calling for summer 2024:

The Farmers’ Almanac Summer Weather Forecast 2024 calls for a warm, hot, and muggy summer for most of the nation, except for the Northwest region where more seasonable summer temperatures are expected. The muggy temperatures are predicted bring a plethora of moisture and thunderstorms to most areas east of the Mississippi River. - per the Farmers' Almanac's website

The Alamanac has billed Iowa's upcoming summer as "warm" and "seasonally stormy," while Illinois and Wisconsin were pegged as "muggy" and "stormy."

Photo Credit: Farmers' Almanac

A Way-too-Early Look at the Fourth of July:

The Farmers' Almanac also singles out the Fourth of July, easily the biggest summer holiday, and predicts what the weather will be like for that early part of July.

For "Zone 2" (including Illinois and Wisconsin), the Almanac says there will be "considerable cloudiness." For "Zone 4" (which includes Iowa), the early forecast calls for a hot and dry holiday. We Midwesterners have braved far worse July 4ths. If it stays dry, you won't hear any complaining.

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It Could Be a Soggy End of Summer:

Lastly, the Farmers' Almanac predicts that the months of August and September could bring unexpected and significant rain fall to about two-thirds of the country.

With heavy rain cause an onslaught of bugs, particularly mosquitos. In order to deter mosquitos, the Almanac recommends planting herbs that deter them, such as lemon thyme and lemon balm.

Read more about what the Farmers' Almanac is predicting for this summer on their official website.