Who knew it was that complicated? If you want a full explanation of all those variables, go here (if you dare): It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Humidity. There are a lot of assumptions built into that equation. Basically, the heat index is different for everyone. That formula is based on an average of someone who is 5’7″ and weighs 147 pounds. The equation even accounts for how much clothes coverage you have — it assumes 84% based on “long trousers and short-sleeved shirt”. Trousers? I don’t wear trousers… I’m not British!
There should be a separate heat index for the South. On the worst of days, we don’t need a number — it should just say “STAY INSIDE!”. Because there’s days where you step out the door and you’re instantly sweating. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s a thing. When you can feel your skin start to burn within seconds, it’s just not safe. On those days, just stay inside.
Everybody likes to talk about the weather, but nobody does anything about it…
And somebody really should, with this current “heat dome” of heat and humidity. But, nothing…
I would, but unfortunately, our R&D department is woefully underfunded. It takes a substantial amount of money to build a weather dominator-inator. You can’t just go to the local store and buy the parts you need since they aren’t invented yet!
Meanwhile, while we wait on the millions in donations we need, we’ve had an idea before that should be considered. For places where the heat is oppressive — say, anywhere with a heat advisory in effect — the government could provide free ice cream sandwiches. It’s really a win-win solution. It would boost morale of the citizens (voters), and the politicians providing this would gain some popularity and be responsible for something good. I know, the issue is how to pay for it. The cost wouldn’t have to be great, if they leverage their buying power to get discounts (which is entirely possible). But they’d have to cut out the red tape on the middleman and not enrich themselves, which is most unlikely. After all, just this year, DOGE and Elon Musk with his chainsaw have cut thousands of jobs, slashed billions from budgets, which could potentially do some good (although the haphazard way it was done was incredibly inefficient and irresponsible), yet the current budget bill will lead to greater debt. So what exactly is going on where they can save billions of dollars yet spend trillions more? The math doesn’t add up. They haven’t told us where all that money is going.
Sorry, got on a political rant there. Our government is inconceivably wasteful, so no free ice cream sandwiches. In fact, your groceries now cost more, despite the campaign promise of Donald Trump to bring grocery prices down on day one. Instead, everything costs more.
Oops, started ranting again. But while I’m on the topic (not really), here’s a random pivot to chew on: I saw an interview with someone who had traveled to various other countries, and he said the main difference in politics in America is that we tend to blame the “other party” while in other countries they hold their elected officials currently in office responsible for what’s wrong. I can see that…
Enough ranting. It’s hot outside, and I sure could go for an ice cream sandwich… So I’ll go get one myself. I don’t depend on politicians to make my day better. (That would be a disaster!) We all have the option to do things to make our day better.
Is there anything you will do today to make your day better?
Here in Arkansas, it’s been over 100 degrees every day, and it was for much of June, too (which is not normal and ain’t right). In case you’re wondering why, here’s a picture that was taken today.
Apparently the Earth is about 12 feet from the Sun now. That must explain why it’s crazy-mad hot now.
The past few days have been so hot we’ve been trying to figure out how to describe it. Wednesday it was 110 here with a heat index over 120, with lots of humidity. I think that goes beyond crazy-mad hot. Our local weathermen are running out of adjectives and phrases for the forecasts.
So we came up with a new heat scale:
* The day-star, it burns
* That ain’t right hot
* Crazy-mad hot
* Unbelievably stupid-hot
* Is this Arizona?
* This heat is inconceivable!
* Warmageddon
* Heatastrophe
* Hot Attack
* So hot that if someone says “Hot enough for ya?” you’re allowed to punch them.
* Did you replace my sweet tea with jalapeno juice?
* It feels like I’m on fire
* I’m on fire
* No really, I’m actually on fire it’s so hot