Hot, Hotter, Hottest Summer of 2023! 🔥
Where to stay cool to avoid the hottest temperatures in human history.
Hottest Summer Ever ☀️
According to scientists, this summer has been the hottest in over 120,000 years1. As human-caused climate change continues to transform our lives, people around the country and the world are sweating and suffering, especially those without the opportunity to escape the heat.2
Across the United States, we have experienced record-breaking heat, including where I live in the Pacific Northwest. So far this summer, record-high temperature records have been set in more than 50 cities3. We even experienced a daily record high of 108 degrees in the Portland, Oregon metro area!
For many people in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and other regions, many homes, apartments, and housing options do not have air conditioning. This is especially challenging in urban environments with limited tree canopies to protect people walking along sidewalks.
Public libraries across the state are one free option for beating the heat in the next few days for the many Oregon residents who don’t have a home with air conditioning. In addition to cooling centers and public parks with splash pads, libraries are among the locations that have been promoted by public health officials conscious of lessons learned from the deadly 2021 heat dome4.
Fortunately, we have a basement and can escape the heat downstairs during the day and at night with temperatures ten to twenty degrees cooler. We are also able to walk in our neighborhood surrounded by beautiful trees, forests, lakes, and rivers.
Where Can You Go to Escape the Heat? 🌳
For many people, there is very little they can do to escape the heat without air conditioning or shade from trees. For this reason, it is so important to protect and plant trees and forests to provide a cool getaway for a hike, picnic or retreat.
Take a Hike in the Forest 🌲
Trees and forests can help keep cities and communities cool with shaded spaces between 20 to 45 degrees cooler than peak temperatures in unshaded areas. Trees are especially important in urban areas as they can provide shade for buildings and sidewalks, deflect radiation from the sun, and release moisture into the atmosphere. Forests help cool the environment by releasing organic compounds and water vapor that promote the formation of clouds.
I am fortunate to live in a community with so many walking trails and hikes in the forests and among trees. I love hiking to Iron Mountain Park, a 51- acre natural park; Tryon Creek State Natural Area; and along the many trails along the Willamette River.
Cool Off with a Swim, Paddle or Float in a River or Lake 🏊♀️
Taking a plunge is a great way to cool off quickly since rivers and lakes remain cooler in summer than their surroundings because it takes more energy to raise their temperature. When the sun shines on water, heat energy is absorbed but water temperature does not rise as much as that of surrounding land.
This summer we also escaped to enjoy waterfalls in nearby Washington across the Columbia River. We explored Washougal River and discovered Dougan Falls for a float and picnic in the shade. Dougan Falls is a great place to find refuge from heat by wading in water or sunbathing on beach below bridge or floating on an inflatable. When water levels are high there might be some kayakers paddling as well. We enjoyed our picnic in shade less than 100 yards from waterfalls.
Paddle, float, and swim in lakes and rivers for the perfect remedy for hot weather. 🚣♀️
Enjoy summer, wear sun projection, and bring your water bottle. Climate change is real and heat domes and record temperatures are dangerous especially for people with limited resources.
Step 1: Plant a tree
Step 2: Save a forest
Step 3: Take a hike or swim
Let’s do our part to protect our planet while enjoying all it has to offer! 🌍
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/27/world/july-hottest-month-record-climate
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/study-finds-human-caused-climate-change-a-definitive-factor-in-brutal-heat-waves
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/08/22/record-breaking-summer-denver-dallas-wichita-break-daily-high-temperature-records-after-hottest-july-ever
https://www.opb.org/article/2023/08/14/oregon-forecast-northwest-heat-wave-high-temperatures
I love your suggestions, Kacey! Great blog!