The converse of snowstorm mania, the grocery stores have been raided of all
frozen products and presumably beer here in good ol' Southie. However, not
unlike the snow-brought panic, everyone seems to have a somewhat similar,
but nevertheless looming feeling that we're going to die.
The mercury indoors won't budge below 92, even with fans blasting and freon
pumping, which makes me suspect that the presumed dormant heater may be on
the fritz. Perhaps I should check into the Four Seasons for the rest of the
week, go to the spa and eat blood orange granita and sip sparkling
elderflower juice.
This heat is making me seriously consider installing a Japanese soaking tub
before we move into ZOT's new locale later this summer. That's it: seasonal
ZOT Onsen...anyone care for a dip in the cool waters?
In the meantime, thank Heaven for 7-Eleven, frozen lemonpops, bags of ice,
and Shu Uemura depsea water to spritz the body down. Amazingly, the orchids
have never looked better.
Fry'emup.
- S
###
Heat is on in the East
Mon Jun 7 1999 19:25 EDT
Tad McNair, weather.com
Record highs are falling in the Northeast as a heat wave lays
claim to the region.
A west to northwest flow of warm humid air is bringing in very
high temperatures that will continue through tomorrow.
Heat advisories have been issued for New York and New Jersey. The National
Weather Service says
in New York City the temperatures are expected to reach 95 to 100 degrees by
this afternoon. The
increasing humidity will make it feel as hot as 105.
Record highs were set on Sunday in parts of New York, Michigan, Kentucky and
West Virginia, and
more records are being set today as well (see graphic).
Why it's so Hot!
Heat like this is unusual this early in the
summer. However, Senior meteorologist
Buzz Bernard says we now have the
classic set up for hot weather across the
Northeast and New England.
Warm high pressure aloft, westerly
winds circulating around the Bermuda
High and downsloping winds over the
Appalachians are the key ingredients.
Downsloping winds produce heating
and inhibit seabreeze development,
which typically helps cool the major
coastal cities.
Dealing with the Heat
Authorities are urging residents in the specified areas to avoid strenuous
activity and drink plenty of
fluids. Also, it is important to stay out of the sun, especially during
mid-day heating, and be sure and
check on children and the elderly. If you have to go out in the sun, make
sure to wear a hat and
lightweight clothing. If you're working in the heat, take plenty of breaks.
Dehydration, sunburn and heat cramps are minor problems associated with the
heat. More serious
are heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can lead to brain damage or even
death.
Last year, at least 187 heat related deaths occured nationwide.