WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2022 - IT IS HOT

 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2022 - IT IS HOT

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR HOT DAYS

According to a news report, it is HOT

“This year Austin had its hottest May ever, then its hottest June ever, and now its hottest July ever.  Unreal summer weather in Austin, Texas, explained in 10 real numbers (statesman.com)

Yet based on the most recent 30 years of climate data gathered by the National Weather Service, the beginning of August is, on average, the hottest time of the year, and temperatures should start cooling down by the end of the month.

If this summer has taught us anything, it's that the extreme heat we've experienced doesn't care about calendars or overstaying its welcome. The triple-digit temperatures started several weeks earlier than normal in late May and appear not to be going away anytime soon.

Let's sweat the details about some of the more impressive statistics from July and the summer so far:

Beginning on May 21, Austin's main weather station at Camp Mabry on Monday logged its 52nd day of triple-digit temperatures. That's already more 100-degree days than the 42 such days in all of 2017, Austin's hottest year ever — and more 100-degree days to date than in 2011, which ended with a record 90 such days.

July alone accounted for more than half of the year's total, with 29 days, and matched the record for the most 100-degree days in a single month — achieved in July 2011 and August 2011.  (When I think of the 31 days in July - and 29 of them were 100 or more - that’s hot!!)

In July, Camp Mabry recorded a trace amount of rain — which still counts as rain, so it's not as if Austin got zero rain in July, as it did in 1962, the city's driest July ever. Two other Julys also ended with only trace amounts of rain: 1993 and 2015. Even July in the infamous summer of 2011 managed to squeeze out 0.05 of an inch of rain.

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Yes, it is summer and, yes, it is supposed to be warm.  Here are some hot day suggestions:

https://www.treehugger.com/how-handle-really-hot-weather-4863475 

Just because it's hot doesn't mean you have to stay inside, but you should take precautions to stay safe when temperatures are high. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and take these steps:

Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you're not thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or lots of sugar.

Dress. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Consider wearing cotton, which absorbs extra moisture and helps your body cool down.

Rest. Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours when it's cooler. Rest often in shady areas. Don't overexert yourself. Your body will tell you when it's time to take a break, so listen.

Slather. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a loose-fitting hat. Sunburn can impact your body's ability to cool off and can contribute to dehydration.

Eat light. Eat small, light meals and eat more often. Heavy meals add more heat as your body works harder to digest them.

Friendship. Use the buddy system when working or exercising in the heat. Don't leave pets outside or in cars. Check on people you know who are sick or elderly; they are most likely to have problems from the heat.

Get wet. If you know you're going to be outside for a while, soak your shirt, hat, or a towel in cold water and use it to keep cool outside. This works whether you're gardening or hiking. Just use the hose or a nearby creek to keep wet.

And when the temperatures are really high, try to stay indoors and enjoy some air-conditioning, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the temperatures are hottest. Electric fans can provide some relief, but when temperatures hit the high 90s, they won't prevent heat-related issues, according to the CDC. Take cool showers or baths to cool off instead.

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(Okay, I have been very frugal. I get up at about 4 a.m. and open my patio door and turn on my fan to bring in cooler air.  My air conditioning is set at 85 degrees - and during the days when I’m out of the apartment I turn my air conditioning off.  From February to mid-June,  I had neither heat nor air conditioning on).

In two-and-a-half weeks, I’m going to be out of Texas for six days.  (“Big deal”) - I’m going to be tent camping.  Should I bring a sleeping bag in case it is cool at night?  How do I keep hydrated when I hike three more high points (Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska)? 

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And, how do you keep your air conditioning bill from going through the roof?

LOVE WINS (even in the heat)

KAREN WHITE

August 3rd, 2022