(Aug. 8, 2011) - Effective August 8, the official reading at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport topped the 100 degree mark for the 38th consecutive day. Given the current forecast, the old 1980 record of 42 consecutive days is likely to fall on Saturday, August 13. Of course the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex heat wave is just part of the record breaking story that continues to unfold across Texas.
As of that date, Tyler saw its 42nd consecutive triple digit day, doubling the previous record of 20 consecutive days set in 1998. Austin recorded its 23rd day, beating the 2001 record of 21; while San Angelo reached 28 days, passing the 1912 record of 27 days. At 40 consecutive days, Waco, Texas is also on track to exceed its 1980 record of 42 days.
Additionally, the following cities are approaching or have already surpassed the records for non-consecutive triple digit temperatures.
NOAA's National Climate Data Center (NCDC) center also noted Texas and Oklahoma have experienced the warmest July ever with average temperatures of 87.1 degrees (Texas) and 88.9 degrees (Oklahoma) respectively. To date, reports of heat-related deaths in the Southern Region include 19 in Texas, 14 in Oklahoma, four in Tennessee, three in Louisiana and two each in Arkansas and Georgia.
The extreme heat and drought conditions have been fueled by a strong La Niña that dominated the fall and winter of 2010-2011. Unfortunately, there are growing signs that it is re-emerging as a multi-year event.
"With an increasing possibility of a return to La Niña conditions this fall, the region could face continued drought conditions into 2012," said Dr. David P. Brown, director of NOAA Southern Region Climate Services. "It is incumbent upon the National Weather Service and NOAA to work closely with all of our regional partners to ensure they have the best tools and services available for mitigating against these difficult conditions."
Excessive Heat Safety Tips:
- Avoid the Heat. Stay out of the heat and indoors as much as possible. Spend time in an air conditioned space. Only two hours a day in an air-conditioned space can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Shopping malls offer relief if your home is not air-conditioned. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember, electric fans do not cool; they just blow hot air around.
- Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
- Drink FOR the Heat. Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don't feel thirsty. Even under moderately strenuous outdoor activity, the rate your body can absorb fluids is less than the rate it loses water due to perspiration. However, if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Do not leave children in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. This is a "No-Brainer". Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140°F-190°F degrees within 30 minutes on a hot, sunny day. However, despite this common sense rule, deaths from heat occur almost every Summer when someone leaves their child in a closed vehicle.
- When outdoors, protect small children from the sun, their skin is sensitive.
- Help your pets keep their cool. It will "feel" as hot for them as it will for you. As with children, do not leave your pets in a closed vehicle. Be sure your animals have access to shade and a water bowl full of cold, clean water. Dogs don't tolerate heat well because they don't sweat. Their bodies get hot and stay hot. During summer heat, avoid outdoor games or jogging with your pet. If you would not walk across hot, sunbaked asphalt barefoot, don't make your dog walk on it either. (Dogs can also get blisters on their paws from hot pavement.)
- Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.