The 33's Chief Meteorologist Rebecca Miller talks about all things weather -- and more
Jun
18
2:17PM | June 18, 2009 | posted by Rebecca Miller | comments: 3
Is it "hot" when it's not 100º ???
It's a discussion I hear all the time. Call it "hot" when it's in the 90s, and a slew of e-mails arrive saying it's not officially "hot" until it's 100º. And while the heat index has been 100º or higher this week, the actual temperature has reached its highest reading of 98º Tuesday afternoon. Close, but not 100º....
The heat index is another story. Based on how hot you feel when the humidity is factored into the temperature, it's completely subjective. I actually do not like to use it at all...I don't like to tell people how they feel. There's no way I could know how you feel in the heat.
Being from New Orleans, this week has been just fine by me. I'm used to much higher humidity. Take someone from the desert, and 100º might not feel too bad, either, but throw in our humidity, and it might feel extremely oppressive to that person.
So if you find yourself feeling worn down by the heat and humidity, make sure you take precautions: dress in light colored, loose-fitting clothing. Take plenty of breaks when working outdoors. Drink plenty of fluids...anything containing caffeine will dehydrate you; alcohol is also not helpful in dealing with heat. Make sure you provide shelter and plenty of water for outdoor pets. Heat and humidity affect them, too. Check on the elderly or those who are ill.
Heat is the number ONE weather killer.
The heat index is another story. Based on how hot you feel when the humidity is factored into the temperature, it's completely subjective. I actually do not like to use it at all...I don't like to tell people how they feel. There's no way I could know how you feel in the heat.
Being from New Orleans, this week has been just fine by me. I'm used to much higher humidity. Take someone from the desert, and 100º might not feel too bad, either, but throw in our humidity, and it might feel extremely oppressive to that person.
So if you find yourself feeling worn down by the heat and humidity, make sure you take precautions: dress in light colored, loose-fitting clothing. Take plenty of breaks when working outdoors. Drink plenty of fluids...anything containing caffeine will dehydrate you; alcohol is also not helpful in dealing with heat. Make sure you provide shelter and plenty of water for outdoor pets. Heat and humidity affect them, too. Check on the elderly or those who are ill.
Heat is the number ONE weather killer.
Jun
29
3:36PM | June 29, 2009 | posted by Rebecca Miller | comments: 1
FINALLY! Some "cool" air, but how long will it last?
Saturday and Sunday marked the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this year at the official reporting site, DFW airport: it was 103 both days. On June 26 and 27, 1980, we hit the hottest temperatures ever recorded here: 113, so I guess you could argue that it could be worse. Still, this is only the beginning of summer, and it typically hits 100 or better 16 days each summer. So far, we've had 5 triple digit days. 11 more to go :)
The average first 100 degree day is July 1, so we weren't too far off this year. Once it hits 100, people start asking when the heat will end. We've hit 100 as late as Oct 3, 1951 when it was 106! My personal rule of thumb is that we don't really cool off until the Great State Fair of Texas comes to an end. This year, it ends on October 18.
The average first 100 degree day is July 1, so we weren't too far off this year. Once it hits 100, people start asking when the heat will end. We've hit 100 as late as Oct 3, 1951 when it was 106! My personal rule of thumb is that we don't really cool off until the Great State Fair of Texas comes to an end. This year, it ends on October 18.
