Decades ago, Ella Fitzgerald’s song “Heat Wave” was a huge hit and could’ve been written today, as our nation is currently under a heat dome with a record-breaking heat wave.
This wave is hitting our beloved Central Valley especially hard. No news there, I know: we all feel the effects of this devastating weather stressing our power grid and nerves.
The National Weather Service says more than 150 million Americans are dealing with severe heat from coast to coast. More than 33 million of these individuals live in California.
The Cable News Network (CNN) reports that California’s temperatures are headed toward a historic record with no relief in sight. As I write this, it’s close to 7 p.m. and 110 degrees.
On July 5, Palm Springs hit 124 degrees, its hottest day recorded since 2021. Redding reached its highest recorded temperature of 119 degrees the next day.
Hearing that San Francisco is “suffering” (and I say this sarcastically) with temperatures in the 70s makes me dream of renting a suite there until the weather calms down and behaves. Instead, I decided to meet the heat monster face to face and deal with all things hot—ouch!
Just what is a heat wave? The National Weather Service defines it as “a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days.” So, I guess a heat tsunami is hitting us in the Central Valley.
We are now under a heat dome, and until it decides to move on, we’re baked. There continues to be lively debate about whether human-made climate change causes excessive heat.
It could be that climate change—which affects water temperatures and causes frequent and more intense hurricanes, storms, tornadoes, floods and droughts—is responsible for excessive heat, or it could be that we’re just going through a natural cycle.
But whatever the cause, the problem is real. We’re currently in the eighth consecutive year of severe heat. It has especially hit California, and the constant wildfires are one of the results.
California has endured droughts that have dried up many water sources and left our grounds and forests so dry that they can quickly erupt in flames. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 69 major forest fires are currently burning in the United States.
Not only do wildfires destroy land, but they can swallow homes and businesses, which stresses our fire departments and other services. And talk about the stress the heat causes our power grid: this thought keeps me up at night.
How does this extreme heat affect our bodies? Sadly, we don’t often realize how much we’re sweating or dehydrated until we’re in trouble.
Heat stroke is our greatest threat. Its symptoms include exhaustion, dehydration, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headaches and muscle cramps. Heat stroke can also hinder the body from controlling its temperature and increase the risk of blood clots.
People with lung and heart issues are especially at risk. Taking certain medications can lead to worse and quicker dangers. Medicines used to treat high blood pressure and depression can also increase the risk of heat stroke.
When heat reacts with gases in smoke from nearby fires, it accelerates the formation of ground-level ozone and other air pollutants, which cause cough, shortness of breath and lung irritation.
So, how can we help our bodies deal with this heat? Ensure you are well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated drinks, sugary beverages and alcohol.
Try to stay inside and avoid strenuous exercise, but if you must go out, cover your head and wear loose, light clothing. If possible, try to take several cool showers a day. Do not leave animals or people in a car—heat kills!
You can do simple things to help you battle this heat wave. Keep gloves next to the driver’s seat: the temperature of our steering wheels on scorching hot days can be too hot to handle, and gloves can help take the sting out of it.
If you must go out, do so in the early morning or later in the evening. Keep water handy so you can see and drink it: sometimes, it’s a case of “out of sight, out of mind.” Closing your drapes and blinds will also help a bit.
Don’t plan any big projects now, as there will still be time when it’s cooler. You don’t need to cook. Lighter and cooler meals like salads, fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese trays and cottage cheese are better for us in the heat. You can also use delivery and let someone else cook.
I keep extra ice going during hot weather. Not only does ice make liquids better, but when enclosed in a towel or washcloth, it can considerably cool your neck, forehead and wrists.
This time is extra dangerous for seniors, so if you have neighbors who are older adults, check on them, especially if they live alone.
Many of us seniors worry about our air conditioning bills, so we may hesitate to use our air conditioners. The heat is also unsafe for young children, so take precautions.
Hospitals report a rise in admissions during hot weather. One of the many reasons is that it takes as little as 15 minutes to cause symptoms.
Heat is a big killer, a silent killer. According to the Associated Press, about 11,000 Americans nationwide died from heat-related causes in 2023. Even economists are getting hot under the collar over this heat wave, and they warn about costs in construction and agriculture.
Labor, environment and healthcare workers have signed a petition requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency consider prolonged extreme heat a disaster.
For an escape or diversion from this heat, you can watch some old movies that embrace the summer’s heat.
“The Long, Hot Summer,” starring Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, was a huge, sizzling movie. That’s enough to distract you for a while. Or, you may want to watch the thriller “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”
If you wish to watch a film with nice scenery, you can see Timothée Chalamet in “Hot Summer Nights.” For those wanting more dramatic action, see Elizabeth Taylor in “Suddenly, Last Summer.”
You can also listen to hot tunes like the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” or the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City.”
I’m a great fan of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John’s “Summer Nights” from “Grease.” And, of course, you can also enjoy Frank Sinatra’s version of “Summer Wine.” Diversion is good!
My mother-in-law Margarate Ingram was—is—one of my heroes. She had an old saying that I’ve hung onto, and it’s helped me many times: “Nothing is so good or so bad that it lasts forever.” It gives me some comfort now.
This heat, this difficult stretch, will pass in time. Let’s remember how much we want warmer weather and complain less when it’s cold or raining this winter. Life always seems to be feast or famine, chicken or feathers.
The secret is to dig deep for the good in everything: I mean, we might as well. While there are some things we can change, like the sheets and our behavior, there is so much we can’t.
So, we must try to adapt. The old question of “How can I make it through something?” has only one honest answer: by going through it. It’s the only way we can get to the other side.
I close with my blessing: may your air conditioning bill be smaller than you fear, the air be sweet and fresh in your dreams, and may you find fruitful ways to fill your calm time.
May you feel fortunate for the walls surrounding you and the loved ones around you, and may you dream of the crisp fall weather to come. Stay cool, dear readers.
You can reach Diana Ingram at DIngramThurston21@gmail.com.
