Heat

July 30 – Houston, TX

This is the teeth of the summer in Houston. We have had the threat of one hurricane – Dolly – that dropped us about 4” of rain. That lowered the temperature for a couple of days – highs in the high 80s, lows in the low 70s.

But hurricanes notwithstanding, today is more typical for late July, early August. High in the upper 90s, lows in the upper 70s or low 80s.

Of course, when the temperature gets so high, the water carrying capacity of the air gets much higher, too. So the relative humidity drops (it is 37% according to our Mighty Weather Station, and 47% according to this Weather Underground station) and the air becomes positively arid. Lots of oxygen in this sort of air. (This being Houston, lots of ozone, too)

But the heat is a good honest heat. You can smell the plants growing, you can hear the cicadas buzzing, and, and you can just feel your body giving up. It is quite refreshing in a way.

This is the heat that gives you a chance to sit on the porch and drink a nice cold beer and really, really enjoy it.

I moved to Houston (the first time) in July of 1980. That year we had 14 days straight of 100+ degree days. Here's the kicker – I didn't have an air-conditioned car. AND I had to wear a suit to work everyday. It was hot.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not some crazy who doesn't believe in Willis Haviland Carrie's invention. I am a big fan of air-conditioning. It is just that the heat in Houston is something to savor, not something to scorn.