The long-range forecast shows that we’re going to have a lovely summer. There will be plenty of sun and a few clouds to cool things down just a touch. There are some great ways to keep cool and have fun outdoors this summer.
Find some shade
One way to enjoy the outdoors without overheating is to stay in the shade. If you don’t have mature trees in your yard, don’t worry. There are other options.
- A sunroom/screened porch: If you have a screened in porch or a sunroom, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while being protected from the sun and mosquitos. They’re a fun and safe place for your kids to play as well.
- A pergola: A simple structure that adds shade and beauty to your yard and is great for family cookouts. While many pergolas are open at the top, you can have a roof added to it. Otherwise, there are many vining plants that will fill in the top of the pergola to provide shade.
MedicineNet.com lists several ways to keep cool during the summer. These include:
- Switch up your workout routine by going out early in the morning. If it’s hard for you to get out of bed extra early, you can try going in the evening. It tends to be a little warmer in the evening than the morning, but at least you won’t be in direct sunlight. MedicineNet.com also says that if you can’t workout at a cooler time of day, you should lower your level of exertion. Maybe take a brisk walk instead of a run.
- Wear loose fitting, light colored, cotton clothing. Cotton will often keep you cooler than synthetics, loose fitting clothes allow air flow, and light colors reflect some of that heat away from you.
- Put a spray bottle of water in the fridge and some bottled water in the freezer. The spray of cold water can keep you cooled down, and if you take a bottle of frozen water with you when you’re going out, you’ll have nice cool water when the weather is at its hottest.
- Remember that alcohol can lead to dehydration. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re out in the heat and if your friends do, make sure they drink water as well. Alcohol can leave a person feeling like they aren’t thirsty when they are getting dehydrated. That’s why it’s dangerous to drink alcohol in hot weather.
- Be reasonable. If it’s too hot, you should probably stay indoors. That doesn’t mean you have to stay home. There are a lot of activities around Bryan-College Station that don’t involve staying out in the heat.
I hope this was helpful for you. Our weather here in College Station is always beautiful and that’s why so many of us want to spend time outdoors. Just remember to stay hydrated and use some common sense when you’re out in the heat this summer. Have fun this summer!
