Topic: Heat

Pools to close as the summer heat revs up

By Christine Anne Piesyk | July 27, 2008 |

When I read the following notice regarding city pools, I couldn’t help but shake my head in amazement.

“The final days for pools are upon us this week. The pools will officially close for the summer season on August 3.” As the August heat — those unbearable ‘dog days’ - descend, the pools close up and our children head back to school. Insanity. The calendar runs summer through September 23rd. «Read the rest of this article»

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A summer for the record books

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 27, 2007 |

It’s been a long, hot summer, and it’s not quite over yet. The relentless heat has toppled records dating back 137 years in Nashville, and there hasn’t been a lot of difference in the “feels like” heat between Nashville and downtown Clarksville.

Sunday marked the 32nd consecutive day of highs over 90, breaking a 53-year-old record, and setting another record — 24 consecutive days of 95+ temps. Middle Tennessee broke five daily high temp records in August.

Fifteen days in August saw temperatures top the 100 degree mark, more than twice as many as ever before recorded, and records have been maintained since 1870. «Read the rest of this article»

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Get ready: More 100+ heat on the way

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 21, 2007 |

Excessive heat and extreme drought conditions have forced Fort Campbell to impose water use restrictions on base, and many local residents are wondering just how long it will be before similar restrictions are imposed citywide.

Unrelenting, record-breaking heat has baked Middle Tennessee and most of the South and Midwest since July, with daytime highs in the mid to upper 90s and often 100+. Heat indexes can add another 5-8 degrees to that even as humidity makes the air feel thicker than a hearty soup in winter. And it’s not over yet.

Forecasts indicate that starting Wednesday, the area is in for another three days of 100+ temps, dangerously high heat that to date has cost the lives of at least 49 people across South and Midwestern states. Overnight cool downs to the low 70s do little to abate the warmth, and usually by 10 a.m., the burn is back. «Read the rest of this article»

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Boarding the bright yellow school bus on the hottest day of summer

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 8, 2007 |

School opens this week (Thursday in Clarksville) in most area schools. Please keep a watchful eye for children crossing streets, and remember to stop for school buses (it’s the law)!

Having lived in the area for three and a half years, I remain amazed by the early start to the school year. Having watched severe heat waves unfold in August for two of those three summers, I remain amazed that more school children, teachers, and bus drivers aren’t sickened by the excessive heat in the time it takes to line up, board, travel and debark from the yellow academic arks. Short for archaic?

What’s the deal?

Pools close just as the hottest month of the year kicks in, leaving parents with other young children unable access that form of cooling, and leaving no cooling options for the hot weekends still to come. Pools close because the school year starts, and many of the young lifeguards are heading back to class. And do they close this early out of antiquated habit? «Read the rest of this article»

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High Heat warnings issued for Clarksville and surrounding area

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 6, 2007 |

Extreme high heat weather warning have been extended through the coming week with heat indexes expected to average 100-105 through the first half of the week and reach even higher by week’s end, according to the National Weather Service and weather.com.

Combined with the ongoing drought, the heat can be expected brown out lawns and increase potential for fire (grass, brush). No rain is expected, though some thunderstorms may develop toward the end of the week.

This heat is deadly. Residents of Middle Tennessee are urged to use caution, check on the wellbeing of neighbors (especially the elderly), and help pets stay cool by keeping them indoors or in shade with plenty of fresh cool water. Do not leave pets or anyone in a closed parked car, since temperatures can soar to deadly levels in minutes. People with respiratory, blood pressure or other health related issues will be particularly affected by this heat wave, and by the dangerously poor air quality and ozone levels accompanying it.

Limit time outdoors at the peak of the day, and consume plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Know the sign of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and pay attention to your body’s messages. if you are outside and don’t feel well, get inside and stay cool.

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