Consider keeping those summer shorts and t-shirts handy, because Iowa’s Indian summer may yet arrive.

Elwynn Taylor, extension climatologist, said an Indian summer is “abnormally warm, pleasant weather, following the first killing freeze.”

In other words, there is unseasonably warmer weather after the vegetation has been killed by frost.

The reason for the 80-degree and 70-degree days earlier in the week was a low pressure system that has been moving along the United States and Canada border. It has been drawing warm air from the west.

The first frost of the season was slated for last night in at least the northern half of the state. Taylor said the average freeze for the whole state of Iowa usually occurs around Oct. 1.

“Usually this time of year we have a high of 70 degrees and a low of 48,” Taylor said. The temperatures we have been experiencing are warmer than normal, but it’s not that unusual for this time of year.

“I expect that we will have some very warm periods during this month,” Taylor said.

He expects to see highs in the 70s and perhaps highs near 80 in the western and southwestern portions of the state.

“We are seeing some strong disturbances go by, moving across the country,” Taylor said. There is typically warmer weather in front of those disturbances and cooler weather behind them.

For some students, the weather was a nice change from the cool air we have been experiencing.

Diana Henning, a senior in child and family services, said she would like more days to be warmer. “It’s not nearly so bad walking on campus when it’s nicer out.”

As for the inevitable winter months, Henning said, “The winter can hold off for a while.”

But not all students enjoy the mild temperatures.

Tari Mellinger, a junior in psychology, said she’s ready for a cooler season.

“I like it when it’s cold out,” Mellinger said. “It’s just a nice change.”

After today, however, Mellinger may be out of luck for a while. Meteorologists say Friday’s high will climb into the mid-60s. We should see highs in the 70s Saturday and Sunday.