It's a durned good thing the weather patterns haven't changed, huh! Here it is, June already, and the folks that know things of meteorology are telling us here just South, and slightly left of Nashville that the heat index for the next few days will top 115 degrees, Farenheit.
Wow, who da thunk it? The deserts of Tennessee. And, the Midwest all the way to the Eastern Seaboard. Just a couple of reminders, important though they are, just below the squggledoodlethingey fold.
This afternoon, our local news (Nashville) reports the death of a 3 year old child while playing outdoors. His slightly older brother is on life support, in Children's Hospital ICU.
Across the nation, there are many who are, as am I, disabled, and find it difficult if not impossible to afford the luxury of air conditioning (I have that. I DO expect a CHRISTMAS card of gratitude from my energy provider!). Pets, left in a vehicle for a "quick run into the convenience store, bank, fill in the blank" are experiencing, without a running vehicle and AC on, temps which could surpass the 130-150 degree range. They will die in mere moments.
I hope Weatherdude will see this, and weigh in with some "real" information that we can use, weather-wise. But, in the meantime...
Look out for your neighbors. Make it a point to check on them. Regularly. I had to make an unwanted trip to see the "White Coats" this afternoon. When I entered the vehicle, it was 105 degrees outside, and when I opened my door, I got a rush of even hotter air. The reality was a sudden flashback to Arizona, where "Yeah, but it's a DRY heat!" began ringing in my humor center. This isn't. This is with elevated humidity--a lot.
Please do not let your pets outdoors (or indoors) be alone. Both peoples, pooties, wuzzles and featherbutts need additional hydration (but not too much, lest they have a different emergency called "H2O Toxicity". (Yes, it's real.)
It took me precisely four minutes to make the trip. When I put my car into gear, I noticed that the engine temp was very nearly in the red. Less than 2 minutes of running. Man, like that would ever happen in Wintertime! By the time I exited my vehicle, I could hardly breathe. It took more than 15 minutes to recover. I know why. My docs know why. I was scared. I know why. Sometimes, reality sux.
After seeing the "White Coats" and giving the Dracs more blood than is usually required for transfusion, I was released back to home. As I walked out of the Clinic, I got hit with an absolute wall of oppressive, humid, heat. Not good. In that moment, I remembered my two kittehs. (Note: My Kittehs are my only family. Look how long it took ME!)
For a flashing second, I was terrified. When I got home, I rushed inside to find them asleep, side by side, nose to butt, on top of an AC vent. They feel things like heat and cold differently than I do.
Cooling shelters are open across the State. All outdoor events in Tennessee are cancelled until further notice, including ALL fireworks celebrations. Right now, it is 109, and the humidity has dropped a bit. OF course, here along the Mighty Duck puddle River, it is also 109. (We down thisaway do NOT like to be bested...by anything. Also remember that old saw about it being a good time to be homeless. The SA is out in the city, passing out bottled water to every person they see, and anyone who asks.
Please do NOT leave your children in vehicles. I know it seems crazy to have to say this. It happens every year.
Fires here are up over 500% over last year's stats. Humid air, versus extremely dry brush and grasses, with temps well over 100 degrees makes for an unflinching opportunity for Mother Nature (who, it seems, STILL has issues with me!) to show her stuff. Man! I'm glad that whole "Global Warming" garbage is...garbage?
She doesn't particularly care. About anything, or anyone.
Please make certain you do. Well.
Here's some things to watch for in your hoomans, and some tips on how to help.
Here's some tips and information for your doggies.
Here's some information and tips for your Kittehs.
Yep, featherbutts are covered, too.