Some like it hot, or at least that’s what the old classic movie with Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe told us. Just when is it too hot?
The weather is currently a hot topic. The news shows us pictures of widespread destruction. Once more, we are hearing the term El Niño on the news.
All of this reminds me of the famous line said by Bette Davis in “All About Eve”: “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.”
Add it to the mix of steaming hot temperatures, wildfire smoke and destruction and the current unrest in our country, and there has never been a time more needing of how to keep cool.
If you are a lover of statistics, try on some of these for size. One of my best sources has always been the Natural Disaster Today site. It helps to paint a picture of how the world is being affected by the signs of climate change.
In the famous Danube in Budapest, the water level is at a record low. In Corpus Christi, Texas, they are running out of water as the beach dries up. Drought is a factor in many states and countries, and record temperatures have proven to be a trigger for massive wildfires.
Currently in the United States, there are 26,808 firefighters in the field, with 601 crews, 1,618 engines and 203 helicopters trying to battle the enemy of fire.
So far this year, just in the United States, there have been 41,256 wildfires that have destroyed 4.9 million acres.
Today there are 32 wildfires in Oregon, 17 in Washington, 4 in Idaho, 7 Montana, 6 in Minnesota, 6 in California, 5 in Colorado, 5 in Nevada, 3 Florida, 3 in Utah, 1 in Alaska, 1 in South Carolina, 1 in Arizona, 1 in New Mexico, 1 in South Dakota, 1 in Oklahoma and 1 in Wyoming.
The combination of drought and higher temperatures is the key factor. It is projected that 2026 may be the hottest year on record for the globe. Adding to the mix is a powerful El Niño that is predicted to affect our weather in 2027.
This year may well be the hottest in history. Just typing this is making me thirsty and wanting a cool shower.
Europe is besieged by wildfires. Places such as Italy, Spain, France and Greece are having to struggle with wildfires amid record heat. Canada is in a battle with this natural disaster. In a news clip I saw the other day, they showed camels falling over dead from the heat.
This makes me think of my age group, many of whom live alone and on strict budgets. The high cost of electricity causes many to hesitate to use their air conditioning. Many people’s professions cause them to be out in the constant high temperatures.
The legions of homeless people probably suffer the most. All of these people are at high risk for heat stroke and other serious health issues. It is a good time to call and check on your neighbors to make sure they are ok. Our furry friends need to be protected from the heat and need access to clean, cool water too.
My church has started to keep our sanctuary open for those who need a cool place to be.
Be extra careful to see that you are not adding to fire risk. Be careful to watch for sparks when cutting your grass. If you go camping, make sure those fires are completely out.
One of the things that I am reminded of repeatedly is how hot weather seems to put people on edge. Tempers often ignite quickly. Try to cut each other some slack. This year that is especially important with a pending primary and political tension. On both sides.
On another subject, currently on demand from the History Channel is a remarkable series about World War II narrated by Tom Hanks. It is well worth your investment of time.
The movie “The Odyssey” is currently at your movie theaters with a strong cast and one of the world’s oldest works. At almost three hours long, it provides an air-conditioned atmosphere at no added cost.
A lovely, delightful read for your summer enjoyment is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. It is also available to view in a charming adaptation starring Sally Fields on Netflix. Another good summer read is “The Restoration Garden” by Sara Blaydes.
Hot weather does have upsides to it: no heating bills. It is a perfect time for weekend escapes to the coast, San Fransico or the mountains. Cook less and eat more salads, raw veggies and fruit. And of course, more ice cream.
Attitude has so much to do with how we deal with life’s challenges—such as over 100-degree weather. It is going to be here as long as it wishes, so find ways to deal with it or ignore it. Each and every day of our life is a gift, and we do not want to wish away any of them.
In each day there is so much beauty just waiting to be noticed. Hidden joys are waiting to be discovered. For me, sometimes, those joys can be as simple as watching the squirrels frolic about or seeing a new bloom on my rose bush.
