It’s hot! Triple digits soar near record heat
In spite of the recent unusually hot weather, Albany has not broken the recorded maximum temperature on any day this year, although the high of 106 degrees on July 20 tied a previous record, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The hotter-than-normal temperatures have caused record energy consumption across the state and outside workers to stay more aware of the need to stay hydrated.
“The only major effect we’ve had with our workers is that we stay more mindful of always having plenty of water, and we take breaks whenever we can,” said city worker Chuck Sheppard. “The work that we have to do hasn’t changed, but it is a lot more strenuous. This is our busy time of year.”
Effects on Crops
The relentless temperatures sent natural gas and electricity prices soaring last week and threatened to stress the region’s cotton crops.
Hay reserves across Texas and surrounding states have already been affected by the weather extremes this year.
Local hay producer Dylan Petree said that his production this year has been significantly lower than last year.
“I don’t know the exact numbers, but my hay production is down to only about half of what it was last year at this time,” Petree said. “The heat is making it hard for anything to grow. During the 107 and 108 degree temperatures we had, all the moisture evaporated about as fast as we could apply the water.”
A shortage of forage and hay could mean beef producers will be forced to reduce herd numbers, according to Texas A&M AgriLife extension expert Dr. Jason Banta.
“Producers already had to feed more hay this year due to extended cold weather this spring,” Banta said. “Cooler than normal temperatures in the spring also slowed the emergence of warm-season grasses before hot, dry conditions set in.”
Electric Grid Demand
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the electric grid for about 90 percent of the state, posted a new record peak demand of 73,259 MW on Friday, July 19, as well as a record weekend peak demand on Sunday, July 22, of 71,444 MW, as air conditioners worked overtime to battle the heat.
The previous record for peak energy demand on a weekend was in July 2017, and was 68,377 MW, and according to ERCOT, before this past week, the highest use was a record of 71,110 MW set on Aug. 11, 2016.
The demand for energy has not yet overwhelmed the state’s electric grid, but it has caused local “brown outs” to occur in various locations, including parts of Fort Worth. The state’s ability to supply electrical energy is working at near capacity with little in the way of reserves, partially because three coal plants were retired earlier this year.
Heat Exhaustion –
Heatstroke
“The dangers from sustained high temperatures should not be taken lightly,” said Department of Public Safety director Steven McCraw. “Heat-related injuries and deaths are often preventable if we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others.”
Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash-related fatalities among children, and every year, children die from heat-related injuries after being left in a vehicle, and a child should never be left unattended in a vehicle, reminded the DPS director.
The DPS and the Centers for Disease Control listed several additional tips for staying safe and managing the heat:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and beverages high in caffeine or sugar.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly. Know the warning signs and seek medical attention if necessary.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion often include dry mouth, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Heat stroke symptoms may include dry skin, confusion, seizures, and death.
Check on others, especially the elderly, sick, very young, and those without air conditioning.
Limit exposure to the sun and stay indoors as much as possible. If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat are recommended while spending time outdoors.
Wear sunscreen. Sunburns can affect your body’s ability to cool down.
Animals are also susceptible to heat-related injury or death. Make sure that they have plenty of water and, if they are not kept in air conditioning, make sure that they have adequate shade and that their water is in the shade also.
Livestock
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) inspector Dusty Boullion advised livestock owners to make sure that animals have adequate shade, cool and clean water, protection from biting insects, and are handled and fed during the cooler hours of the day.
Signs of heat stress in livestock including increased respiration rate or panting, excessive salivation, open mouth breathing, and restlessness.
Animals showing signs of heat stress should be moved to shade, offered plenty of cool, clean water, sprayed with cold water or stood in water, and supplied with good air circulation, according to the TAHC. Additionally, they recommend that the owner immediately call their veterinarian.
Records
The highest temperature ever documented in Albany was 115 degrees measured on June 27, 1972, according to the NWS. The next highest marks were 114 degrees on back-to-back days in August of 1936, and 113 degrees in May of 2006.
Furnace Creek, California, in Death Valley, reached 134 degrees on July 10, 1913, to set the highest temperature ever recorded in the world, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
