By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
With every passing day, high temperature records are falling. At its current pace, Travis County is on track to see its hottest summer since the 1880s.
“Can it get any worse than this?” asked Lower Colorado River Authority Meteorologist Bob Rose. “Not only has the weather been unusually dry but the temperature has been in record hot territory.”
The sizzling temperatures which began around the middle of June continue day after day, with no signs of any real change in the near future.”
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), 26 daily high temperature records have fallen this year – and one can only wonder what August will bring.
Perhaps the worst aspect of the heat wave is the danger it poses. Typically, about 175 Americans die from heat-related issues each year. Concerned, the NWS is stepping up its efforts to warn of the dangers posed by high temperatures.
“We haven’t even reached what is typically the hottest part of the summer. That usually occurs sometime in late July and early August,” Rose said. [That's] something to look forward to.”
According to the NWS, the very young and the very old are particularly at risk. The organization has a simple acronym that it believes is worth remembering – H.E.A.T.
“H” is to remind folks to hydrate. “Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you’re working or exercising outside,” the NWS recommends.
“E” is to remind folks to “educate yourself.”
“Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings – take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees,” the NWS advised. “Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool.”
“A” stands for “action.”
“Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected.” NWS said. “Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.”
“T” may the the most obvious preventative measure people can take to avoid heat stroke.
“Take it easy,” NWS said. “Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.”
While it is hot, there may be hope on the horizon, according to Rose, but it is a small in scope. He said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that El Niño has now arrived.
“A summer El Niño can lead to wetter than normal conditions in the intermountain regions of the U.S. and over central Chile, but does not typically influence across Texas,” Rose said. “In an El Niño year there tends to be more Eastern Pacific hurricanes and fewer Atlantic hurricanes. Forecasters said they expect this El Niño to continue strengthening over the next few months, possibly to moderate intensity, and last through the winter of 2009-10.”
History indicates that by September, it’s possible for El Niño to help break the drought, if not bring a little relief.
“For our region, El Niños typically cause above normal rainfall during the fall and winter months,” Rose said. “Historically, there has been a fairly good correlation between El Niños and a pattern of above-normal rain.
“It will be interesting to see if the current El Niño has a similar effect,” Rose said. “Just because El Niño has developed, don’t expect a change in our hot and dry pattern any time soon. El Niño’s influence on Texas weather won’t really begin until sometime in September or October.”