There is nothing better than lying in the grass with the sun shining its warmth on you and the refreshing breeze offering a breath of fresh air. School is out, and you do not have commitments, creating more time for yourself. This is all fun and games until you find yourself with a nasty sunburn.
It is no secret that summers in Texas can be brutal. The weather is dry, and temperatures hover around the high 90s to low 100s. As global temperatures increase, these conditions will get worse.
Wildfires are becoming more prevalent, with an average of one percent of Texas burning each decade since 1984. High temperatures can also cause heat stroke and dehydration, with a greater impact on the vulnerable. The warmer air can cause smog, ground-level ozone, which can aggravate many cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
Larger cities might see higher temperatures than rural areas, a phenomenon known as the heat island effect. Personal beliefs can also influence the way certain areas perceive these changes.
For example, confirmation bias can cause someone who believes in climate change to exaggerate the heat in their minds. Overall, most of the state has warmed one-half to one degree Fahrenheit in the past century.
Assessing the overall climate might make it sound like climate change is not having as large an impact on temperatures as some make it seem. However, the heat index can offer a more accurate picture. Using relative levels of heat and humidity, the index concludes that Texas has felt up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit warmer since the preindustrial era.
The heat can get uncomfortable at times, but with the correct safety precautions, it is still possible to enjoy your summer.
Staying hydrated can help prevent dehydration and heat strokes, some of the most dangerous effects of the heat. If you do not have air conditioning or a fan, try to get somewhere indoors if you feel yourself getting overheated. Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing can allow your body to regulate temperature better and reflect the sun’s rays. Wearing sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin.
Watch others around you to make sure they aren’t experiencing heat exhaustion. Monitoring the weather and planning your activities accordingly can make the heat more tolerable. In the event you are not able to avoid the highest temperatures of the day, make sure to take breaks and check in with yourself for signs of heat exhaustion.
There are many opportunities to enjoy your summer in Coppell. On June 28 at Andrew Brown Park East, Coppell is hosting Party in the Park from 6-10:30 p.m. to kickoff Independence Day celebrations.
The Parade Down Parkway on July 4 at 9 a.m. will be a fun way to celebrate before it gets too hot. Explore restaurants and boutiques in Old Town or musicals at Coppell Arts Center
If you want some water fun, visit the waterpark at The CORE with friends and family.
The inevitable scorching temperatures in Texas are no obstacle to fun. As long as you protect yourself and stay aware, summer can be a blast.
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