Austin 2023: A Summer of Sweat, SPF 50, and Existential Dread (or How Many Days Did We Suffer Through Over 100 Degrees?)
Ah, 2023. A year etched in the memory of Austinites not for its breakfast tacos (although those are always a win), but for its relentless, soul-crushing heat. We're talking days that could melt your flip flops, nights that felt like sleeping in a hair dryer, and a general feeling of "is this what living on Mars is like?"
So, how bad did it REALLY get? Buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive into the fiery depths of Austin's hottest summer on record.
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| How Many 100+ Days In Austin 2023 |
The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Might Make You Sweat)
Brace yourselves. In 2023, Austin saw a whopping 80 DAYS where the temperature soared past the 100-degree mark. That's right, 8-0! We basically turned into a giant convection oven, baking everything (and everyone) in sight.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
For comparison, the average number of 100-degree days in Austin is a measly 15. We sextupled that average! Think of all the pool parties we could have had with those extra scorching days... except you know, the pools would have been lukewarm at best.
Almost a Record Breaker, But Still a Scorcher
Now, before you start composing a victory ballad about dodging the all-time high, here's a little reality check. 2011 still holds the crown for the most scorching summer with a brutal 90 days over 100 degrees. We missed the "gold medal" by 10 days, but hey, participation trophies, right? crickets chirp
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
But wait, there's more! The heatwave wasn't just about the number of days. The intensity was off the charts too. We saw stretches of weeks where the temperature wouldn't dip below 90 degrees at night. Sleeping became a fancy word for sweaty tossing and turning.
Signs You Lived Through the 2023 Austin Summer
- You can identify different types of cacti by their heatstroke symptoms.
- Your ice cream scooping skills became Olympic-worthy (gotta get that ice cream into your mouth before it melts into a puddle).
- You developed a sixth sense for locating the nearest HEB with working air conditioning.
- You seriously considered investing in a personal swamp cooler to follow you around.
How to Survive an Austin Summer (Hopefully Not Like 2023)
Okay, so 2023 was a bit of an anomaly (hopefully!). But fear not, future Austin heat warriors! Here are some quick tips for surviving a scorching summer:
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
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How to Stay Cool:
- Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE! Water is your best friend.
- Embrace the air conditioning. Public libraries and malls can be your summer sanctuaries.
- Invest in a good fan (or five).
- Cotton is your friend. Ditch the dark clothes and embrace breezy fabrics.
- Take advantage of those early morning and evening hours when the temperature (hopefully) dips a bit.
How to Keep Your Cool (Mentally):
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
- Find your zen. Meditation, yoga, or simply taking slow, deep breaths can help you stay calm.
- Embrace the frozen treats. Ice cream, popsicles, boozy slushies (for the adults, of course) - whatever floats your (hopefully not melted) boat.
- Misery loves company. Vent to your friends about the heat, but try not to dwell on it.
- Plan for indoor activities. Museums, movie theaters, escape rooms - there are plenty of ways to have fun without braving the inferno.
How to Prepare Your Home for the Heat:
- Close your curtains during the day. This will help keep the sun's heat out.
- Invest in blackout curtains. Bonus points if they're cute!
- Make sure your AC is up for the challenge. Get it serviced before the summer hits.
- Stock up on ice and cooling supplies. You can never have too much!
How to Keep Your Pets Cool:
- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water.
- Never leave your pet in a hot car. This is just common sense, folks.
- Take walks during the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and evenings are best.
- Invest in a cooling mat or pet pool. Your furry friend will thank you.
How to Avoid Heatstroke:
- Know the signs. Dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating are all red flags.
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