If there is a positive side to having persistent drought, it is that it is often accompanied by below average humidity, which then translates into cooler over night temperatures as a drier atmosphere is less effective at holding in heat and is more likely to have fewer clouds. The featured chart presents the daily low temperature departures from average for Ames so far this year. Since mid May, very warm nights have been rare and much of the past 45 days has been below average. Having cool over night temperatures this time of year is thought to be very much ideal for corn as it slows development and reduces stress. It is certainly good for humans as well, especially those without the benefits of air conditioning. The near term forecast looks to continue this recent trend with comfortable overnight lows.

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