There was a summer of abject heat, and I remember it well. We built our first house in Fox Hollow during a big building boom in 1986. We did not add central air conditioning because I detest being cold in the summer. My husband probably went along with the idea because we saved money.
Being a brand new subdivision, we certainly did not have any shade trees. The only tree we had was yet a sapling, standing proud and sturdy in the front yard. Other than that, zero trees. We had a small ranch about 1250 square feet, along with a couple of ceiling fans, and I don’t remember any terrible days suffering without air conditioning.
My husband Mac had a friend in the heating and cooling business, and in September of 1987 he wanted to install air conditioning. There was some type of discount because it was the end of the summer. I thought it was a waste of money, but we got the air anyway and he likes a cool house.
Fast forward to the summer of 1988. Now this is what the meteorologist was comparing to when he said we didn’t come close to breaking any records with a measly nine days of 90 or better. In 1988, we had high temps, and I do remember it because I had a newborn. That year we had 44 days of 90 and above! What a summer that was! Wow, it was hot and I enjoyed it. But…I was also very glad that Mac wanted the air installed because it was a very hot summer.
No matter how you close up the house and keep it dark and use fans, once it’s hot inside, it’s difficult to cool it down when the nighttime temps were in the high 80s and very muggy. Consequently, I did appreciate the luxury of air conditioning that summer.
Growing up, we didn’t have a full house air conditioner. There was only a window unit in the kitchen. It got a little hot in some parts of the house, but we managed.
I remember seeing my dad leave for work in a long-sleeved shirt and suit and I wondered how he stayed cool in so many layers in the hot weather. Most offices even back then were probably comfortable and cool, and you had to look professional!
The Weather Channel had an interesting program on the deadly heat wave of 1995. 1988 always sticks in my mind for torrid heat but ‘95 was one of the worst for heat-related deaths. The severe heat wave had ComEd struggling to keep up with the power demands of cooling so many dwellings and businesses.
On July 13, 1995, the actual temperature was 106 with the heat index topping 126! At one time, it was reported that 90,000 were crammed onto one of the smaller
It was reported that the
Clearly, government and city human services could not do everything. Many of the deaths were needless and unwarranted due to simple negligence and relatives believing that their elderly family members were “fine.” It was discovered that many seniors living alone went unchecked and simply told their family everything was okay. In reality, they did not have their functioning air conditioning on and windows were closed, in many cases.
People living alone went unchecked and perished due to stifling heat, most often in their apartment buildings. It was a big wake up call for the city. Now, there is a huge media blitz when it’s going to be very hot and humid with multiple reminders to check on elderly friends and neighbors who live alone. It wasn’t just the city’s fault but a breakdown of people helping people.
Too frequently when it’s hot, you may go outdoors, and it’s a ghost town—everyone is inside in their refrigerated houses. I understand those who have asthma and other existing health conditions cannot tolerate the heat, but someone should always check on friends and family who live alone.
I was eating breakfast al fresco with my youngest son (had to talk him into sitting outside since it was hot and muggy) and a woman in her 80s was celebrating a birthday. She received a bouquet from the wait staff, and they commented that she had a nice day for her birthday but “too bad it was so hot and humid.” She vigorously replied that she didn’t think it was hot at all and said with conviction, “It’s a perfect summer day.” Her daughter, with her, readily agreed. I nudged my son and said, “See, other people like hot weather too.”
I know many people absolutely detest hot weather, and I do understand, but I know there are many people out there who love summer weather and merely enjoy the heat. Mine is twofold. I enjoy the heat, and I have a clear, vivid memory of icy, snowy, freezing-cold days that, for the most part, I don’t enjoy.
So whatever you like about summer, heat or indoor coolness, embrace it and live every minute of your free time to do something fun. Old man winter will be here before long, and we’ll be trading in our suntans for windburn and our flip-flops for boots.
I’d rather shovel sand than snow but that’s our
Lemonade anyone?
