Fearless Forecast Says Texas Summer Heat Isn’t Finished Yet

What exactly is a Fearless Forecast? It's when I get one of those strong gut feelings that Mother Nature is getting ready to do something.

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Over the years, my listeners have heard plenty of them. I don't claim to be a certified meteorologist. I just play one on the radio from time to time, and every once in a while, Mother Nature makes me look pretty smart.

Right now, my Fearless Forecast is pretty simple: Texas summer isn't finished with us yet.

West Texas Is Still Cooking

Here we are at the end of August, and instead of talking about cooler weather, we're still talking about triple-digit temperatures.

The forecast for Abilene calls for temperatures around 105 Monday and Tuesday,  105 degrees Wednesday, followed by 105 on Thursday. Friday is expected to reach around 103, with another 105-degree afternoon possible Saturday & Sunday.

That's not exactly sweater weather.

I've lived in West Texas long enough to know August can be brutal, and September doesn't automatically mean somebody flips the switch to fall.

It's Not the Heat I Mind, It's That Electric Bill

Believe it or not, I really don't mind hot weather. I'm a Texan. Heat comes with the territory.

What I do hate is hearing that air conditioner running almost nonstop.

Every time that AC kicks on, all I can think about is the electric meter spinning outside. Then the bill arrives, and suddenly 100 degrees feels even hotter.

This summer is going to cost us a pretty penny if you ask me!

Families all over West Texas are trying to keep their homes comfortable while also watching what they spend. Unfortunately, when the afternoon temperature is hovering around 100 degrees or higher, turning off the air conditioner isn't much of an option.

My Fearless Forecast Says Don't Put Summer Away Yet

We may be getting closer to September, but don't pack away the shorts, sunscreen or water bottles just yet.

Keep drinking plenty of water, check on elderly family members and neighbors, make sure pets have shade and fresh water, and never leave a person or animal inside a parked vehicle.

And don't forget the lesson I learned many years ago as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout: always be prepared.

Have a backup plan for power outages, keep extra water around and know where you can go if your air conditioning stops working.

As I always say, if you don't like the weather in Texas, wait 10 minutes and it'll probably change.

I'm just hoping the next change involves cooler temperatures — and an electric bill that doesn't make me break out in a sweat.

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