On Sunday August 13th, 2023, Dallas Fort-Worth set a record breaking high temperature of 106 degrees, shocking many citizens, and surpassing DFW’s previous record of 105 degrees. Dallas County News warned citizens of the dangers of staying out in this blinding heat. Warning of wildfire, and the dangers of dry heat leave southern states struggling with the effect of climate change.
This heat not only impacts Texas, but it has reached other states as well. Surrounding states such as Oklahoma and Louisiana have reported excessive heat warnings of 100 degree to 105 degrees. The Washington Post reported, “Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi — are under excessive heat warnings for highs of 100 to 105 degrees and heat indexes as high as 120 degrees.”
During the summer, the county’s “weatherization assistance program” worked to help North Texans living without air conditioning in their homes. They provide deliveries of air conditioner units to people in need, prioritizing elderly, families with small children, and families with disabilities to aid in their struggle to combat the heat.
Citizens across the county have been trying to find comfort in the heat by using all resources available to them to cool down in the heatwave. Not wanting to waste their summer indoors, citizens find creative ways to enjoy their summer, without roasting in the heat.
“Since moving here, I have found that simply wearing lighter clothes, sitting in the shade by water with a cold drink keeps me cool,” Diamond Johnson, a Texas citizen.
Wakeland students have reported other ways they like to stay cool in the heat.
“I like to drink lots of water, gradually exposing myself to the heat, wearing hats, and swimming,” Senior Andrew Antoun said.
In addition to just drinking water, students at Wakeland make the best of the heat, and spend their summer by the pool.
“I like to stay inside, drink a lot of water, eat ice cream, and go swimming,” senior Callie Ratliff said.
As the summer ends, and the temperatures start to cool down, we can finally say goodbye to the hot weather and hello to sweater weather.
