The weather these days may seem hot compared to the unusually mild weather Ames had in the spring.

But according to Gary Forster, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, the weather central Iowa has been having is typical for the Fourth of July.

“The pattern the weather has followed allows the atmosphere to warm up considerably,” Forster said.

Forster said humidy is a major factor, resulting when summer air masses are stagnant and do not change. At that point, the atmosphere heats up.

“During the summer it gets dry first, and that is why it gets so hot,” Forster said. “Iowa is open to the southern winds from the Gulf of Mexico. The weather patterns get set up for the central plains from the southern gulf.”

“The humidity comes from the south and flies up from the gulf, Louisiana and Texas,” Forster said. “After a few days of that, central Iowa gets moisture.”

On hot days, Iowa State students can be found lying out on Clyde Williams Field, swimming at Peterson’s Pits or drinking at the local bars.

“I like to take my dog and fool around at Peterson’s Pits,” said Katrina Carter, a junior in women’s studies, “and if I am not that ambitious, I lay on the couch and watch TV.”

Though the outlook for the Fourth of July is no rain and sunny, the National Weather Service said there are chances of showers on Wednesday and Thursday.

A new front is approaching Wednesday that will put the temperature in the mid ’70s.

Tom Larson, a senior in political science, enjoys staying inside and taking it easy when he is not in class or at work.

“I like to suck down beer at a bar and shoot pool on a hot day,” Larson said.