Weird light at sunset. Orange light due to wildfire smoke.

Hot and Hotter

The western part of North America is experiencing record-breaking temperatures, approaching 40C (100+F) on the south coast of Vancouver Island. This is an unprecedented weather situation caused by a blocked ridge of high pressure that is predicted to hang around until Tuesday.

We have become cellar-dwellers, including Nelly the dog. Newfoundlands don’t like it hot.

Nelly the Newfoundland dog

You can imagine what I’m doing when not lurking in the basement to cool off.

oscillating garden sprinkler fan shaped spray watering
Image from Pixabay
pink watering can

If I’m less visible on the usual blogs for a few days, it’s because I’ve wilted.

60 comments

  2. I know what you’re going through, Audrey. We’re having the same thing here in NorCal, but at least we’re kind of used to it! Plus, we have AC. It’s a shame you can’t explain to Nelly that it’s a temporary thing … 😉

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  3. I have heard of the hot weather on the west coast. I know it must be hard as it is most unusual. It’s hot here in Spain right now, but we are used to it at this time of year. Try to stay cool. Poor Nelly. xo

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    1. Yes, we’re not used to this kind of heat. And of course I’m worrying about the garden. Nelly was fine in the basement with us last night, after a bit of hesitation about going down there.

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    1. We didn’t let her in the basement when she was little because we didn’t want to puppy-proof the place, but we all slept down there last night. Once she realized it was cool, she was okay with going down there. So at least there’s a place to cool off a bit.

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  10. It’s not the heat, but the humidity, as we say here in the middle-west. We had our upper 90’s week earlier in June. (After hard frosts in the middle of May.) However, the humidity was pretty low, so I rather enjoyed swinging in the hammock in the shade. That said, if you’re not used to it, it can be pretty oppressive — and even if you are, once it gets tropical. I’ll have to see how my Seattle area siblings and relatives are holding out. Keep cool!

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    1. Thanks, Chuck. Humidity isn’t too bad here, but even so it’s pretty brutal. Hoping for the “marine push” (westerly winds from the Pacific) which is predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday.

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  12. I’ve been hearing about the heat wave in that part of the country. And the strange thing is that on the other side of the Rockies where I am (Colorado) we’re having one of the chilliest late Junes that I can remember! It’s been in the mid 60s (F) for highs ever since Friday. My thermostat is set for 72 and the heat comes on at intervals. However, we did have a record breaking 100 degrees about 10 days ago. Odd weather all over, for sure. (Just looking at all that fur on your dog makes me hot!)

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    1. This is an anomalous phenomenon, according to a meteorology site in Washington State. I just hope it doesn’t get worse in July, which is our hottest month.
      Newfs have a double coat, and “blow” it (i.e. shed) in spring. My husband has combed incredible amounts of hair from her coat. Encouraging her to go into the basement at the hottest times does help.

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  13. Poor you, Audrey. It’s also pretty hot here in Spain. Husband loves the heat more than I. I love the sunshine but not the humidity….Still better than the climate in the UK though! Think cool and give your poor dog water sprays……Cheers. xx

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    1. Humidity isn’t too bad here, compared to some places, so we’re lucky there. It’s supposed to return to tolerable in 2 or 3 days. Nelly loves water, and there are some nice lakes nearby. And we have one of those little kiddie pools. 🙂

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  14. It’s hot in Quebec too. People say we shouldn’t complain because winter will be back soon enough. But I dislike extreme temperatures whether they are hot or cold. Stay cool!

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  15. Wildfires are already starting in California. 114 and 115 in Portland today and tomorrow. It’s going to be a tough year for homeowners.

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  16. We get these kind of temps every summer for at least a few days here and there, but I get that they are unheard of in your neck of the woods. Stay in doors (I hope you have Air Conditioning!!), stay hydrated, and just take it easy.

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        1. Yes. Weather systems here move west to east. So the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are now in the mid-30s. They’re more used to really hot weather there, but high 30s and 40s are extreme anywhere in Canada. The really bad thing is there’s been way less rain than usual everywhere in the west this spring. Fires are getting bad in BC and farmers on the prairies are expecting poor crops this year. With the heat, I worry about all the animals in barns, etc. Industrial agriculture…

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  21. Even my birds are staying back in the thick of the Sweet Olive and Magnolia, only darting out to grab a bite or a quick bath. And none of the ducks stopped by, so guessing they don’t want to venture out of the water even for corn on the patio. There’s 2 storms brewing off the far southern coast and heading east, so I’m trying not to complain too much. Stay low, Audrey! :).

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    1. It’s much cooler here now, but really dry. And a small town in the BC interior has burned down. The whole town! After temperatures around 120F for several days. Climate change is upon us.

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    1. We didn’t melt. Not yet, anyway. It’s just the beginning of July, though! 🔥 🥵 Good thing you guys are on an island, and lets hope Vancouver Island doesn’t go up in flames. 🤞

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