Weather Watchers

I am currently sitting outdoors in shade (western NY). Humidity is down today from yesterday and occasional breezes make it tolerable. Temp is 83, feels like 89.

We have lot of cloudiness which provides relief from the sun, until the clouds drift again.

I have a tumbler of ice water with me and a wide umbrella, the kind that you find at golf courses or the beach. Don't need to use it now bc of clouds, but last summer, it came in handy when we had a heat wave. I live in easy walking distance of a few stores so the umbrella blocks the sun when going out to buy something. Yes, I try to get buying done before the heat wave, but there always seems to be something I forgot.

A TIP: If you have AC, turning it on a low setting (higher temp setting) in the morning keeps the place comfortable for later in the afternoon. Close blinds and curtains early.

If you don't have AC, keep blinds and curtains closed all day, starting in the morning. Set up cold water in front of a fan and turn the fan up. Take a shower in cooler than usual water and let yourself and your hair dry naturally. Repeat if getting too hot again.

Don't eat a lot of sweets or drink sweet beverages. Sugar will make you feel hotter. I make an exception for ice cream, which feels great on hot days.