Houston Heat: How Many Days Did We Basically Live on the Sun in 2023?
Ah, Houston. The city that practically has its own personal space heater permanently set to "high." But seriously, folks, how hot did it get last year? Like, melt-your-flip-flops, spontaneously-combust-on-the-sidewalk hot? Buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive into the fiery depths of Houston's 2023 summer.
The Scorching Stats: 45 Days of Fury
That's right, you heard that sizzling number correctly. Houston clocked in a scorching 45 days where the temperature soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in 2023. For those of you keeping score at home, that's nearly a month and a half of feeling like a perfectly seasoned rotisserie chicken. We're talking sweat dripping like rain (except way saltier), car interiors resembling molten lava pits, and air conditioning units working overtime while muttering threats about early retirement.
Did We Break a Record? So Close, We Can Almost Feel the Burn
Nope, but we came this close (cue dramatic music). The all-time record for triple-digit days in Houston belongs to the sweltering summer of 2011, which clocked in at a sizzling 46 days. So yeah, 2023 missed the dubious honor by a measly one day. Look, some folks might call that a participation trophy kind of situation, but we here in Houston prefer to view it as a moral victory. We trained hard, sweated profusely, and almost stole the crown from the reigning champion. Participation trophy or not, that's still something to be proud of... right?
A Silver Lining (or Maybe Just a Slightly Less Opaque Cloud Cover)
Okay, so things were pretty darn hot. But hey, at least it wasn't all bad news, right? Here's a little ray of sunshine (or maybe just a slightly less opaque cloud cover) to brighten your day:
- Tropical Storm Harold to the Rescue (Kind Of): Remember that tropical storm that waltzed past Houston in 2023? While it didn't exactly bring a deluge of rain, it did manage to snap a pretty impressive streak – 23 consecutive days of 100-degree weather. That's right, folks, Harold, in all its tropical storm glory, saved us from tying the record for the longest streak of scorching temperatures. We should all be sending that storm a thank-you note (and maybe a fruit basket – storms probably enjoy a good mango, right?)
So, What Does the Future Hold?
Well, as Yogi Berra famously said, "It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." But hey, considering the way things have been trending, it's a safe bet that Houston summers will continue to be a scorcher. Just remember to stay hydrated, invest in a good sweatband (or maybe just a kiddie pool for your head), and embrace the fact that you basically live in a giant human panini press. Hey, at least you'll always be perfectly pre-grilled for those summer barbecues, right?
