How to Beat the Heat in June

The month of June is the hottest month of the year in El Paso. We average a daily temperature of 95. This is typically the month that we also witness record setting temperatures in the triple digits! Since June typically is not very humid, we can figure on one more month of relying on those swamp coolers to cool us down. Once we move into July, August and September, the added humidity becomes a swamp cooler challenge.

Typically, our bodies keep cool by perspiring or emitting our body heat through our skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, if our bodies cannot cool, we can suffer various forms of illnesses that can become deadly if we do not pay proper attention.

The Mayo Clinic offers several tips to prevent those heat-related illnesses.

– Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. The light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. Do not wear black! This absorbs the heat.

– Avoid being outdoors during the hottest time of the day. This is typically between the hours of noon and 5 pm.

– Drink water. Always avoid alcohol and caffeine

– If you must work outdoors, take regular breaks while staying out of the sun.

– Never leave kids or pets inside a closed vehicle during the hot summer months

The American Red Cross warns of the various stages of heat-related illness. These are heat cramps in muscles, headaches and nausea. Heat stroke can result from ignoring these signals and can be life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 if this is the case and the person does not improve.

If it is extremely hot and you live in a location where you do not have access to a fan or evaporative cooler, the best idea is to head to the mall, library or catch a movie during the hottest part of the day.