Sure, the daytime highs are all showy, with their relentless tracking in the triple digits.
Forecasters say some of the hottest temperatures of the year are yet to come, with a high of 109 degrees predicted for today and 110 for Wednesday.
Those overnight lows? Not so much.
The lowest temperature North Texas saw in July was 75 degrees. That was on July 1.
According to National Weather Service climate data for Dallas-Fort Worth, the all-time record high for an overnight low — 86 degrees — came July 26. And, for 12 other nights in July, the overnight low either set or tied a record for that day.
The day and night combination has triggered a different heat advisory for area residents this week: an “excessive heat warning.”
The National Weather Service issues the warning when the heat index — the “feels like” combination of heat and humidity — exceeds 110 degrees, and the overnight temperature is 78 degrees or above, according to John Lake, a weather service meteorologist.
This week, overnight temperatures are not expected to drop below 80 degrees in Denton County, Lake said.
The high overnight lows make it tough for people to cool off, especially those without access to air conditioning.
About 3 percent of residences in Texas and other Southern states have no form of air conditioning, according to the American Housing Survey. The survey, released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in March, contains statistics gathered in 2009.
About 80 percent of renters are in a home or apartment with central air conditioning. Another 17 percent of renters have access to a unit that cools at least one room.
People who own their own home fare a little better, according to the survey. About 89 percent of owner-occupied homes have central air conditioning. Another 9 percent have a window unit to cool at least one room.
County health officials recommend that if air conditioning is not available, people should open the windows, pull the shades down to keep out the sun, and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool their home.
No heat-related deaths have been reported in Denton County so far this summer, according to Bing Burton, director of the Denton County Health Department.
Volunteers have set up an emergency shelter at Vision Ministries, 626 Wainwright St., to help people stay cool overnight. The shelter opens at 5 p.m. and will remain open as long as temperatures are predicted above 105 degrees, according to organizer Jenny Hawkins with Our Daily Bread.
On the field
Football and cross country coaches, as well as marching band directors in the Aubrey, Argyle, Denton, Lake Dallas and Ponder school districts, are watching the temperatures and adjusting summer activities by offering frequent rest and water breaks, as well as training options, officials said.
Ponder officials said trainers are weighing students, too, to watch for weight loss from dehydration.
Most school programs are finished with outdoor activities by noon, before the hottest part of the day. Some are returning in the evening after the heat of the day has passed. Argyle’s football practice includes a one-hour session every other day at 2 p.m.
Some band students are allowed to wear backpacks designed to carry water so they can stay hydrated. In Lake Dallas, the students are also being given fruit. In Argyle, students are learning their drills without carrying instruments because the instruments take extra energy to carry and play.
Because football teams at Denton and Guyer High schools opted for spring football practices, they are not expected to resume practices for the 2011 season until next week, district spokeswoman Sharon Cox said.
Ryan High School, however, began morning football practices this week, as did Lake Dallas, which brings players inside for full-hour breaks midmorning so they can cool down, officials said.
Heat effects
Those homes with air-conditioning units are keeping repair personnel busy during the heat wave.
One local business, Air Force Heating & Air Conditioning, has technicians starting work as early as 7:30 a.m. and staying as late as 10 p.m.
Nicole Evans said the company has been getting calls nonstop since the heat intensified.
“If we can’t get to everyone today, we feel bad,” she said. “But we are getting to as many people as we can.”
Some customers are replacing old systems for newer models that can handle the extreme heat, she said.
Heat creates safety concerns not only inside parked vehicles — health officials say to never leave anyone in a parked car, even for a short time, during hot weather — but also on the road.
A 107-degree day translates into heated asphalt, says Henry Fain, owner of Affordable Tires & Wheels at 3326 E. University Drive, increasing the risk for tires to fail.
“When they get on this 175-degree pavement, the heat is too much for them,” he said.
Aging tires on cars and trucks are especially vulnerable.
Fain advised tire owners to check the serial number of the side of the tire. The last digits of the number reveal the year, i.e. 09 for 2009.
“If the tire is four years old or older, then you’re in trouble because the heat will get it,” Fain said.
Tires begin to separate when traveling at fast speeds. A shredding tire can cause damage not only to the underside of the driver’s car but also to vehicles around it.
The longtime tire dealer’s advice is to check the tires before traveling.
“The main thing is age and make sure they are properly aired,” he said.
Staff writers Dawn Cobb, Britney Tabor and Karina Ramirez contributed to this report.
PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881. Her e-mail address is pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com.
HOW TO HELP
Volunteers are needed to serve shifts at an emergency shelter that opened Monday at Vision Ministries, 626 Wainwright St. In addition, help is needed providing an evening meal each night the shelter is open — likely through this week and as long as temperatures are predicted to be above 105 degrees. For more information, call Jenny Hawkins at 940-765-7607.
HOW TO COPE WITH HEAT
The Denton County Health Department made these recommendations for coping with the excessive heat expected this week:
* Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle in hot weather, even for a short time.
* Check frequently on those who are older or very young, and those who are ill. Children are especially vulnerable to dehydration. They need to drink fluids frequently, especially water, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Check on them often if they are playing outside.
* Drink plenty of fluids. Start drinking fluids at least 30 minutes before going outside. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink something. Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
* Take frequent breaks when working outside.
* Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening when the temperature is lower. Remember to use insect repellent because mosquitoes are most active during the early morning and evening.
* Check with a health care provider about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription medication, especially diuretics or antihistamines.
* Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, wide-brimmed hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
* Eat more frequently in small, well-balanced meals.
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