Broiling here already in Utah, and the heat is only going to get worse. Parts of California, Nevada and Arizona are going to get 'extreme' heat starting tomorrow/Saturday.

Is everyone prepared? I hear that even Seattle is going to get 90+ F temps next week.

When I saw the forecast/news stories, I ran out to the grocery store and loaded up on stuff for the weekend, so I don't have to be out and about during 100+ temps. Interestingly, while perusing the weather/news reports, I clued into something - there were links on the weather sites to things like, "How to Protect Yourself from the Heat" and so on. I should have known this, but I didn't - so am sharing it here, in case it's useful to anyone...

In humid climes - the hot weather makes it so that people can't cool off properly because they don't sweat as much in a humid climate as they might in a drier climate. These people are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, heat sickness or even heat stroke. Remedy? Stay cool - don't hang out in the heat. Obvious, I know....but keep in mind - this is why people in humid climates are more likely to experience heat exhaustion - it's because the body cannot cool itself (sweat) adequately and gets overheated.

But then, in drier climates (such as Colorado or Utah) - the issue is that in very high temperatures - people actually sweat *more* than usual, thereby leaving themselves susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Remedy? Stay cool, obviously.

That said, newly "clued in" to the fact that the issue in a dry climate is dehydration - I loaded up on fresh fruit, veggies, ice, and even V-8 juice (high in potassium). I don't have central A/C (rental house), but do have a small 'window' air conditioner that barely cuts it. GAH!

For those in more humid climes, I would suggest not letting yourself get too hot in the first place. No A/C is the norm in places like the PNW - and one thing that used to work for me in Vancouver during the odd spell where it would get hot is to place a box fan (or any fan really) with the air blowing OUT of my apartment window, so as to blow out all the hot air that had accumulated during the day, and then turn it back around and use it as a regular fan. Keep the drapes closed all day and so on.

Of course "style" seems to go right out the window in times like these. I feel a bit silly, but I am wearing a bathing suit cover up and a pair of flip flops. No, I wouldn't go out like this, but it works while I'm at home. It was 99.8F at 10 a.m. this morning, and no proper A/C.

I might have to go and buy another window air conditioner - the living room is unusable right now - way too hot. We'll see if I want to cough up the $300 or so....might be worth it.

Anyway....are you prepared for the heat wave coming this weekend and into next week?