If you perspire and respire anyplace in the continental US and A, then you might have noticed something about the weather.
Not only have we suffered from extreme temperatures, these spells have been punctuated by lovely caresses of wind known as Derechos (thanks, Weatherdude) as well as freak, tiny, but extremely powerful thunderstorms. In Chicago, OHare aerodrome was closed because the wicked winds of the west threatened take-offs and landings.
Hail, hail, the dents are all here is typical for anyone parking outside.
Also in Chicago, we've had 4 consecutive 100+ daze, with the high hitting 109, according to my truck's thermo-metering device. That may have been reflected heat from black, soft asphalt, but even so, it was effing bloody hot.
I noticed something I have not seen for decades. Broken rubber. Everywhere.
Having two court calls in two separate counties, I got to get out and drive in this miserable heatstorm. By 8am, it was over 90 degrees. By 1pm, it was in the 100s.
On each leg of the journey, there were serious road slowdowns. In a few cases, pavement shattering and buckling was the cause. In other cases, broken rubber. It was all over the place. On Interstates 90-94, 290, 294 and 355. Both this morning and this afternoon, I personally saw two semi tractor trailers lose a tire, both times at high speeds. The tread literally blew up as though someone shot it with shotgun pellets.
Luckily, in both cases, the CDL holders were extremely professional, and managed to control their rigs without harm to anyone. Although because of a big chunk of rubber, one sudden stop did result in a minor bender of fender. The second tire sounded like a gunshot when it blew.
So, until either we or this weather breaks down, please follow this advise.
1. NEVER EVER EVER LEAVE A CHILD OR PET IN A CAR. NEVER. This is quickly fatal, even if you only stop for two minutes.
2. DO NOT TAILGATE. Leave more room than usual between you and other drivers.
At these temps not only truck tires will blow, but car tires, too. Most drivers are not CDL trained, and can become a sudden obstruction for you and your car.
3. SLOW EFFING DOWN. For one, it is far safer, and your stopping distances are shorter. For another, your car/truck pollutes far less, helping out with air quality. Lastly, you save wear and tear and more importantly you save fuel. A tire going only 55 is far less likely to blow than one speeding at 75.
4. ALWAYS BRING WATER WITH YOU. Not just a little, but quite a bit. What if you are stranded? Water can save your life or the lives of your loved ones. Even warm water. (If you still use wasteful water bottles, freeze a couple before a trip. Then reuse them again and again.)
5. KEEP A CELL PHONE WITH YOU. KEEP A FIRST AID KIT WITH YOU. KEEP A HAT, AND A BLANKET. (it makes a great sunscreen, drastically lower your temps.
6. WHEN YOU PARK, LEAVE ONE WINDOW AJAR. This markedly cools off your oven.
7. DON'T DRIVE UNLESS YOU NEED TO. Share rides, combine trips, and avoid driving as much as possible. This is not weather to be ignored or toyed with.
8. PLAYING IT SAFE, STOP AND ASK IF PEOPLE NEED HELP. not everyone can afford a cell phone.
9. IF YOU FEEL AFFECTED BY THE WEATHER, DO NOT DRIVE. Heat stroke symptoms can worsen even if you got into your car and turned on the AC.
on edit:
10. KEEP SOME NON-PERISHABLE FOODSTUFFS IN THE VEHICLE. Especially if you have ankle biters, knee-nibblers, or tile monkeys traveling with you.
on second edit
11. CHECK YOUR TIRES OUT. A small investment now can save your life. Under-inflation is actually dangerous, especially in high heat.