12 Undeniable Signs That Summer Is Almost Here In Nebraska

In Nebraska, the signs of summer come on quickly. We typically have a few weeks of spring (which just means it's so windy that you can't go outside), and then BAM - summer's here before you know it. Sure, you could just look at a calendar to figure out how close it is, but you really don't need to bother. These signs all point to summer being just around the corner in Nebraska.

1. The kids start counting down to the last day of school.

I think mine have it down to the hour now.

2. Even the teachers are ready to get out of there.

Whether they're going on vacation, starting a summer job, or helping on the family farm, teachers are looking forward to the end of school, too.

3. We've stopped carrying around our heavy winter coats "just in case."

Not sure how smart this really is, though - last year at this time we were in hats and mittens. You never can tell...

4. This stylish sweatshirt-and-shorts combo is popping up everywhere.

Although, let's be honest, the shorts are usually much shorter and the poor girls are usually shivering.

5. You've had to start mowing the lawn again.

I've never been able to decide which I hate more: mowing grass or shoveling snow. (Luckily, I have kids to do both for me now, so I don't have to tax my brain with it.)

6. If you have hayfever, you feel like you've been punched in the face every time you go outside.

Thank goodness for the over-the-counter allergy pills that allow us to function even when that evil pollen attacks.

7. This stuff is well on its way to "knee high by the fourth of July."

Everything is green again! And farms are getting into the summer rhythm once more.

8. Your boat has definitely come out of winter storage.

Even if you haven't been able to take it out on the water yet, it's ready and waiting for you.

9. You get that first unexpected sunburn of the season.

Somehow we always seem to forget that we can get burned even when it's not very sunny or warm outside. And that first little burn of the summer seems to come as a surprise every year.

10. Some kid in your neighborhood has already started with the firecrackers.

Give it a couple of weeks. Starting around early June, kids get their hands on firecrackers and start randomly setting them off around dusk. They'll start exploding when you least expect it, and your heart will skip a beat. Every single year.

11. Thunderstorms and flooding are the norm.

We're used to pretty much always being under a severe weather watch of some kind around this time of year.

12. Tornado season is well underway.

We've already seen some pretty powerful storms and several tornadoes this year. Be safe and remember your severe weather plan.

Sure, these unmistakable signs of impending summer can be found in a lot of other states, too, but summer is just better in Nebraska, don't you think? What are your favorite indicators that summer is almost here? Add them to our list by leaving a comment.