I’ve lived in DC since 1984 so I’m used to swamp-like weather in the summer, but this has been one blistering month even by DC standards. And it’s the warmest January-June stretch ever recorded. Ouch!
So, naturally the storms, power outages and chill-seeking are all making headlines. Add in some flash floods and chunky hailstones and it’s like the 10 plagues, except it’s all heat-related. And it’s a great story for bloggers, Tweeters and reporters. “RECORD HEAT BLASTS COUNTRY.” The heat story rotates as lead between the political wars and the countdown to the Olympics. Check it out on CNN, MSNBC, WebMD and probably even Pinterest.
At lunch today someone around our conference table actually said it felt much better out today…”it’s only 90.” Who knew 90 degrees was cool? Let me run and get a sweater. Better yet, my arctic parka from college (the navy one with fake fur around the hood).
I was big-time lucky last week when my power stayed on after the storm of the century. I looked out my terrace and it was like the aliens were invading. The sky was strobing blue and white with thunder, lightning and pounding rain.
Post-storm fallout has not been pretty. Just google weather on YouTube and check out the downed trees, power lines and raging rivers not to mention the fires out west. It’s like the end of the world and it’s not even the Mayan calendar.
In a stab to beat the heat, I flew to long Island this past weekend. I figured it’s always cooler at the beach. Wrong.
So, what to do? Besides the online tips to drink water and stay indoors I have one better. Go to the movies! See Magic Mike, Savages and Spiderman 12, a triple feature. Sit in a cushy seat, eat some popcorn and get your fluids while you chill next to an a/c vent.
I know….not everyone can go to the movies when there’s a real disaster at the door. But, when it’s just too damn hot out and the power is still on, just give me an ice cream and a DVD of White Christmas and I’m happy.