The Heat is On
Having lived in warm climates (Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida), I am no stranger to The Heat Wave and the misery that can accompany rising temperatures. In the Carolinas, folks are used to a certain level of discomfort in the summer months - and by summer months, I mean mid-March through early October. Let’s just say that in the south the AC operates at full strength, flip-flops are the footwear of choice, the iced tea is plentiful, and if you know someone with a pool, you are golden. Like, literally golden because southerners love to “lay out” in the sunshine. Go figure.
Here in Seattle, it’s pretty adorable what locals refer to as warm weather. Anything over 87 degrees, and whew! people start complaining. Upon first arriving in town, my husband and I rolled our eyes and felt a bit superior... until it dawned on us that NO ONE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST HAS AIR CONDITIONING. Yes, you read that correctly. Businesses and some newer construction homes and apartments have AC, but the vast majority of places to live (including our own, very nice, updated apartment community) don’t offer respite from the summer heat.
The fact is that until recent years, (no, I won’t get into the politics of global warming, but I’m pretty sure this is evidence of its existence), there wasn’t really a need for AC in this part of the country. Seattleites I’ve questioned remember with longing the days when wearing light jackets all summer long were the norm. High temperatures never seemed to creep out of the low 70s and chilly summer evenings were spent sipping wine around fire pits. Ha.
Almost a year ago we celebrated our first holiday in Seattle. It was the Fourth of July and it was freezing. I’m not exaggerating, people were wearing down coats to watch fireworks. We were hopeful that we’d finally landed somewhere we might beat the heat. Soon enough of course, things warmed up and by early August temperatures reached a brief high of 92 degrees. Carolinians wouldn't raise an eyebrow at 92 degrees as they are able to hide away in lovely air-conditioned homes, sipping iced tea. In Seattle, 92 degrees means there will be a run on sunscreen and box fans. We now have two fans, some SPF 70, and we’re ready to go.
The Seattle forecast for the next week is toasty - Today it was 86 degrees and by the middle of next week we’ll be in the low 90s. I’m preparing the best way I know how. Every evening we open all the windows and turn on all the fans, circulating cool air in our home. By ten o'clock in the morning, we go into hiding. The windows are closed to keep warm air out, blinds are drawn to block out the sun, and clothing is... minimal. While sitting in our dark apartment all day waiting for the sun to set, I started to think. There have to be better ways to beat the heat than by turning into a Netflix watching, crushed ice crunching, extra pale recluse. Right??
Here are some of my ideas for surviving the coming week. Good luck, Seattleites, and may no southerner roll their eyes at our misfortune!
LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES. Lots of summer blockbusters and fantastic smaller releases are out, and movie theaters are usually kept super chilly. Hit a matinee to miss the hottest part of the day. Click here to check out releases, steals and deals.
YES, LIBRARIES ARE STILL A THING. I love libraries - they’re quiet, cool, free, and full of books. Spend a hot afternoon reading something on the summer’s bestseller list!
ART IS COOL. And so are museums, as the AC never falters. My favorites include Chihuly Garden and Glass, SAM, and The EMP.
SWIM. Take a page from the south and get thee to a swimming hole, ASAP. Wear sunscreen & shades, bring a trashy magazine, and enjoy some ice-cold water infused with cucumber (and maybe a splash of vodka).
VISIT OUTER SPACE. For a few extra bucks added to your Pacific Science Center admission, you can see afternoon shows at the planetarium. There’s no better way to forget the heat outside than by floating away into the chilly darkness of space. Even if it’s just for an hour.
PLAY UNDER THE SPRINKLERS. Or get a little more fancy in one of the city’s spray and splash parks. I love International Fountain but there’s also Lake Union Park and Ballard Commons Park.
ROW YOUR BOAT. Check out the piece I wrote on kayaking in Seattle. If it gets too warm, you can always dangle feet in the water or take a quick dip!