Since the Fourth of July festivities, we have had one wonderful break from the high humidity that brings the heat to oppressive levels. It lasted two, maybe three days. Now we're back in the sauna -- temperatures usually in the mid- to upper-80s and humidity to match. Yesterday the heat index was 105.
Superdawg would appreciate it if I would get us up at 6 a.m. and lead us on our walk then, but I just can't function at that hour. As an alternative to 11 a.m. walks, we have tried some treks right at sunset. The humid air has still been oppressive, but at least the sun is not beating down. Even so, I was afraid Sadie wasn't going to be able to make it home on the back leg of our evening walk yesterday. She slowed so much I thought she was going to collapse in the grass. The humidity was dragging her down.
Welcome to summer in the Southland. It is not all oppressive. Splashing in a pool, lake, or the ocean can refresh body and soul. (Just be aware of the dangers, such as rip currents, that lurk in the Atlantic.) And hey some of the weather media are forecasting another shot of relatively cold (or anyway, cooler) and less humid air next week that supposedly will make it feel like September in July. I'll believe it when we feel it.
© Robert G. Holland
