Stayin' Cool
Gary Archibald, Weathercaster
Yes it is hot.
It’s dangerously hot on two fronts – for one, the dry heat in the west and southwest has created an ominously dangerous situation for wildfires…they have been raging in UT, OR, and AZ over the last week… two, there is a very real danger with this heat (100+ degrees F heat indices – that suffocating humidity and high temperature combined - in the northeast for example) for some people to succumb to heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration – especially the very young, the very old, and the sick.
It’s serious business, which requires a reciprocal response, call to action as it were… Take it slow – don’t over exert yourself in the blazing heat, reduce sun exposure, drink – and then drink some more, hydrating consumables, water is obvious the best choice. Rest. Relax. Stay in the shade. Catch up on your literary pursuits; read a good book under a large, leafy tree that will provide shade. Or, stay indoors, turn on the A/C. Go for a swim at the local pool or gym. Call a friend. You’ll forget about the stifling humidity as you share stories, gossip, laugh, tell a few jokes. Use this time wisely. Prepare a hearty meal. Invite the friend you were talking on the phone with to your home to partake in the culinary arts, your masterpiece. Rent a movie or watch an old favorite. Do what you have been putting off for so long, whatever it maybe. Go shopping. Go sailing. Take a nap. Play with your kids, staying cool, indoors. Perhaps a board game… Monopoly, Risk, chess, checkers…they fit the bill. Just chill. And enjoy.
I have a homemade strawberry smoothie waiting for me.
Later –
G
Comments
Gary, You're the coolest cat at Weather Plus!
Posted by: larry | July 11, 2007 03:50 PM
Cooking on a hot day is not fun. Maybe you don't cook. Go home and cook a meal with one little a/c on. It cancels it right out!
Posted by: Katherine Burns | July 11, 2007 04:26 PM
I have a six year old labrador /pitbull she has been fine in the summer time but for some reason I can not seemto get her to drink enough water how do I get her to stay cool. in this heat. she is panting so much I am really worried.
Posted by: lena gustafson | July 11, 2007 06:26 PM
Hey Larry - that's very kind of you - thanks!!
My best regards,
Gary
Posted by: Gary | July 14, 2007 07:23 AM
Hi Katherine - I hear what you are saying...agreed... a hot stove can aggravate the climate conditions inside the home... I do cook indoors - it does depend on what you are making of course... some dishes require very little over-stove-heat... some do... moderation is the key in the latter situation...
Cheers!
Gary
Posted by: Gary | July 14, 2007 12:46 PM
Lena - I think that your vet may have the answer... it's definitely a concern to see any pet laboring under stressful climate conditions, and as such, is worthy of your complete attention. My best to you -
Gary
Posted by: Gary | July 14, 2007 12:48 PM
Hi, Gary! Those solutions for staying cool are great, but I have another solution that you can add. My solution is to drink a tall glass of ice-cold water because I do that constantly and after I while, I would get cold.
Posted by: Samantha | July 15, 2007 12:41 AM
Hi Samantha!
Your suggestion is the BEST yet - you can't go wrong with that tall glass of water on a hot day - it works every time!
Thanks again!
Gary
Posted by: Gary | July 16, 2007 02:46 PM
I really care for my dog I think of her as not just a pet but really like a little baby since I rased her from a puppy. thank you for your advice.
I really think that you are doing a great job.
Posted by: lena gustafson | July 16, 2007 09:22 PM
Hi Lena - I can relate - I love animals... I have a cat, she's my little girl! Pets are indeed a very real part of the family! They're wonderful!
Take care and thank you as always for you very kind remarks.
Gary
Posted by: Gary | July 17, 2007 04:13 PM