Suffering the Heat

Much has been said about the extreme and persistent heat that has enveloped the south, southeast and southwest of the United States this year. There seems to be no relief.  We on the South Plains of West Texas are used to hot summers, with evenings that cool off into the low 70s or even 60s, that give us relief.  This year, that has not happened. Not only are we repeatedly seeing day time highs in the above 100s, but the evening temperatures are in the high 70s, and there is no natural relief. 

We are admonished to wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and find air conditioned options if we do not have air conditioning at home.  Air conditioned options include malls, libraries, movie theaters, restaurants.

I work in a building in which one of the chillers is not working. Sometimes, I am in a comfortable environment, and sometimes, I am in an environment that is too cold.  But, this year, sometimes, I am in a situation in which the air becomes too warm and stifling.

For me, one of the side effects of this heat is that, although I try to stay hydrated, my eyes feel dried out.  I use eye drops to help, and they do. But the dry itchy feeling is uncomfortable.

My sleep is not generally affected by the heat: I am blessed that I can afford to air condition my house so it can be cool enough to offer me a good night's sleep.

But, I am still suffering the heat.  I have limited watering my yard to keep my shrubs and trees alive. The grass near them responds positively.  I do not go out in the evening, as I do not want to be in the oppressive heat any more than I have to. I try to remember to adjust my use of appliances to off peak times.

But, let us face it, we are in a heat emergency.  My wish is that there will be some natural relief.

I have not addressed the drought. And, in this session, I will not.