To quote Adrian Cronauer “Fool, it’s hot! I told you again! Were you born on the sun! It’s damn hot! So damn hot!”
That is, of course, taken from Good Morning, Vietnam. And is in fact the scene that Robin Williams riffed off the temperature in Vietnam and set the audience screaming with laughter.
Hot is no laughing matter. Hot and humid is another step down the ladder into hell.
The World Health Organization attributes 1300 deaths in Europe due to this most recent heat wave. Most of the deaths are over 65.
We were just in Virginia, on vacation, and the hottest dang day of the ENTIRE trip was the day we have all bought tickets to Williamsburg. It was going to be 95 with at least 70% humidity. I had warned everyone the week before that the temperature was not going to be what they were used to. As the nurse on the trip, I recommended lots and lots of fluids, reflecting hats, getting out of the sun in the middle of the day, and lot of breaks.
The day we went to amusement park I backpacked in 12 bottles of water.
Right now, half of the US is under a heat dome. Here in North Carolina, we are expecting highs to crest over 100 degrees. For several days in a row. Including over the 4th of July.
Stay inside in the middle of the day.
Drink lots of fluids. And eat fluid containing foods like watermelon.
Do not mow the grass in the middle of the day. Your HOA will probably care about that but I certainly do not.
Wear loose fitting clothing, including a hat, in lighter colors.
Cover your windows that are sun facing.
Fans are your friends.
Speaking of friends, don’t forget to take care of the pets. The asphalt will be really freaking hot on your dog’s paws. It can be as hot as 140 degrees. Stick to the grass.
I’ve already set up the wildlife watering station for the birds, squirrels, etc. that come into our neighborhood. They are hot too. And thirsty.
Heat stroke is no joke. Nether is hot exhaustion.
Monitor yourself and your loved ones.
You should drink enough fluids to counter the fluid loss from sweat.
Humid hot is sneaky and will overwhelm you before you know it.
Have some water. Your kidneys will thank you.
Stay inside where it is cooler. Watch Good Morning Vietnam. Or cue up No Where to Run To by Martha and the Vandellas.
If you know, you know.
Dispatches from the Evening Shift 