Living with Excessive Heat

105+ for days on end requires a few changes in habits.

Repetitive summer forecast in Austin, Texas — photo by author

I hate to be dramatic, but I’ve reached my breaking point after three months of temps like this. We’re used to 100-degree heat in Texas, but that extra 5 to 10 degrees is a very unwelcome visitor. Luckily we finally caught a break and it’s only going to be 99 degrees F today. It still hasn’t rained in over two months, though, and wildfire dangers are acute even in the city.

So how are we supposed to live like this? We’re going to have to get creative because next year is predicted to be even hotter.

My Top Tips for Surviving the Heat

1. Become a morning person. Get up EARLY to go outside and exercise or tend to plants. Run your errands before the roads and parking lots are blistering hot.
2. Thermal curtains will keep your house cooler and save on the electricity bill. You can make inexpensive ones out of fleece. I normally use those in the winter, but I find they help in both extreme seasons.
3. Pretend it’s winter and do those inside projects in the summer. Need to declutter closets? Want to do some sewing or do you like jigsaw puzzles? Summer is a perfect time for those inside activities.
4. Find a swimming hole or pool with shade around it to…