It rained.
Feels weird to type that. Like getting rain is such a big deal. But after weeks of 100+ temps and nary a drop from the sky, hearing thunder and the patter of rain Wednesday night was somewhat glorious. Plus there is nothing quite as soothing as rain on a metal roof, even during the heaviest of storms.
Glorious.
What I failed to remember, however, was exactly how that would affect the humidity levels. As hot as this summer’s been, I’ve become quite accustomed to the dryer air. Not that the dryer air matters much when you’re on a job site in 110-degree heat with no breeze. And telling yourself “But it’s a dry heat” doesn’t make you feel any cooler.
Except 100% humidity doesn’t either, a fact I was reminded of the next morning while measuring the exterior of a client’s home. Sure, the temp was 90 instead of 100 thanks to the “cold front” from the previous night. However, that ten degree difference had little impact on my sweating through my shirt.
Ick!
Then it occurred to me while standing there wiping more sweat off my face: This is great practice for our upcoming trip to New Orleans!
After being away from NOLA – or more specifically Southern Decadence – for three years, I’m not sure that either James or I are prepared for the end-of-August-heat that is New Orleans. We did pop down in June of 2021, but that’s just not the same. Not sure how it happens, but the spike in temperature and humidity between June and August is amazing. And not in a good way.
We learned very quickly after our first trip in 1999 that being there meant packing two of everything. Usually by late afternoon, a change of clothes – and possibly a shower – is necessary. Something not everyone adheres to I’m sad to say. However, on those days you walk out of the hotel and your t-shirt immediately sticks to you, a change of clothes and perhaps a ho bath can be hard to pass up.
Of course, most of those days are tempered with plenty of vodka tonics. And finding the spots in the various bars where the AC will blow directly on you. Unfortunately, I think sipping a cocktail while measuring at nine in the morning might be frowned upon, even if that would work for NOLA.
My client did bring me a large glass of water and some paper towels for drying myself. All of which were very appreciated, although their pool was starting to look good after two hours outdoors. I did blast the AC when I finally got back into my car. Except I probably should have left the windows down instead and let the humidity just have its way with me. After all, there’s nothing wrong with getting in plenty of practice.
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