Hot, hot summer prompts first heat-related ride cancellation

Monday was a historic day because no ride took place. Rides get canceled occasionally, but this time it was different because it was the first time I had to cancel due to an extreme heat warning.

Typically, rides are only canceled when it's below 50 degrees or raining. However, last summer, we experienced some extremely hot days that nearly led to cancellations. The difference this time was the declaration of an extreme heat warning by the National Weather Service.

The warning was issued primarily based on the heat index, which measures how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. The National Weather Service issues a watch, warning, or advisory depending on whether the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105-110 degrees for at least 2 consecutive days.

On Monday, June 19, there was a potential heat index of up to 115 degrees until 7 p.m. It goes without saying that such a high heat index is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the most common impacts of extreme heat. When the body's internal temperature reaches 104 degrees or higher, it becomes difficult for the body to regulate or cool itself off efficiently.

Heat exhaustion is the initial phase of hyperthermia. You may experience heavy sweating, a rapid pulse, dizziness, weakness, nausea, headaches, or muscle cramps. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to stop what you're doing, find a cooler place, and drink water!

Failure to take steps to cool down and hydrate can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal. According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated heatstroke can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, with the severity increasing the longer treatment is delayed.

People suffering from heatstroke may exhibit an altered mental state or behavior, such as confusion, agitation, or slurred speech. Another significant sign is the cessation of sweating, with hot and dry skin.

The heat index is crucial in determining the difference between a hot day and a dangerously hot day because it affects how your body responds to the heat. When humidity is high, sweat doesn't evaporate easily, making it harder for your body to cool itself.

While I'd like to believe this was a one-off event, it's highly likely that we may experience more heat advisories this summer. In fact, we're only a few days into summer, and we've already had several heat advisories and warnings.

I produced two seasons of a podcast for The Walls Project, with the second season dedicated to the climate crisis. Through my research, I discovered countless things I didn't know before. If you're interested, I'd like to share the first episode of the season, which features interviews with Louisiana State Climatologist Dr. Barry Keim and WBRZ Chief Meteorologist Dr. Josh Eachus.

Regardless of your opinion on climate change, this episode provides an interesting insight into our current weather patterns. One thing we know for certain is that our weather is becoming less predictable, leading to more extreme situations.

Take, for example, the day after our canceled ride. On that day, a dramatic storm blew in, causing strong winds that knocked down trees and resulted in record-breaking hail!

RELATED: Baseball-sized hail in Baton Rouge possibly the largest on record, says the National Weather Service

And, of course, we are in the middle of Hurricane Season. Tropical Storm Bret is currently in the Caribbean. Fortunately, it's not expected to impact us directly, but we still have a long way to go before the season ends.

To keep up with the status of the rides, we have a Group Me text thread and cancelations are posted to the Facebook Group. If you would like to be added to the Group Me, please send me a message with your telephone number.