Annual Heat Related Safety Post

 

I posted the above chart back in summer of 2020 and then in subsequent years.  Since we are now in July it does seem like a good time to remind people about the symptoms of and remediation for various heat-related illnesses. Said 2020 post also has a few tips for dealing with the heat.  

On a good note: June 2025 was the first in six years wherein we did not hit 100º.  

Below is a photo of me beating the heat over Memorial Day.  We're hoping to get back to Colorado and New Mexico before the summer is over.

Cinnamon Pass in Colorado

Annual Heat-Realted Illness Post

I posted the above chart back in summer of 2020 and then again last year.  Given that the heat/humidty is back in Austin - and yes, the humidity is not your imagination  -  it seems like a good time to remind people about the symptoms of and remediation for various heat-related illnesses.  

Said 2020 post also has a few tips for dealing with the heat.  

Pictured below: avoiding the Austin heat with friends while in New Mexico last month...

 

Summer Heat

I posted this back in summer of 2020, but given the early heat in June - here in Austin, anyway - it seems like a good time to remind people about the symptoms of and remediation for various heat related illnesses.  The 2020 post also has a few tips for dealing with the heat.  

Note: I did beat the heat last weekend via proximity to the Pacific.  Not an option for every weekend, but it was a nice trip.  

Heat: Be Careful

At least it's a dry heat and cool at night, unlike summer in Austin.

It's July in Texas, and while heat's an issue it's still nice to get outside for some socially distance fun and exercise.   Unfortunately, there is the danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.   Check out these articles to learn more:

• KVUE post, with chart.
• My May 21st post, also with chart.

Have fun, wear light clothes, and stay hydrated.   If you are feeling adventurous, you can do what I do and enjoy summertime night biking.  It's cooler than during the day, plus you don't have the sun beating down on you.  

Summertime Fun: Heat-Related Illnesses

While reading about a national park's plans to re-open, I found this handy chart from the CDC:

Spoiler Alert: All of these Heat-Related Illnesses Are Unpleasant

Summer is just around the corner, but it's already getting hot in Austin (it's 92°F as I type this post).  Some of you can handle the heat better than others.  I'm not here to judge, just to remind you that it is entirely possible to overexert yourself in the heat of the Texas summer.   I have never experienced heat stroke, but I have ventured into mild heat exhaustion territory and it is no fun.

For beating the heat, I try to wear fishing shirts or dry-fit shirts if I'm outside and active.  That along with hydration and staying in the shade seems to work for me.  Also, during the summer, I shift most of my bicycling activities to the night (or occasionally early in the morning) and move cardio into the gym (which presents a challenge this summer, thanks to COVID-19).   Kayaking also becomes an early morning or evening activity.

An extra note on sunburns:  if you are up in the cool, delightful mountain air remember that mountain air gets a lot thinner as you go up.   That means less shielding from UV rays, and thus the potential for some nasty sunburns.  Speaking of the mountains, I really want to get up into the mountains of New Mexico this summer.

An extra note on bicycling: check your helmet.  A little ventilation goes a long way.  I have two helmets, and my lighter (more ventilated) Specialized Echelon makes quite the difference when it's warm out.