We have been having a record breaking heat wave here in the PNW. While temps over 100F aren’t weird in some places, it is very unusual here. Due to the particular nature of this heat wave, the ambient temperature is very warm, but the breeze is actually hotter. I have spent a good amount of time in the Southern USA, so I am used to hot temperatures, but not this “heat dome” effect. I keep expecting evening breezes, but am surprised with wafting oven-like heat that is hotter than the already high ambient temps, even at night. In the PNW, most families and even many stores and big hotels don’t have air-conditioning. Nighttime is the toughest with temps in the mid 80’s, with wafts of even hotter air and no relief. We just aren’t used to it here. I have been rinsing Miles down in the bathtub hourly throughout the day and night, which has proven to be the most effective solution in such a crisis. We’ve been going for meandering hot walks together at sunset which Miles loves.
A heat dome this intense is so rare, it’s the kind of event you would expect to experience once in 1,000 years, according to CBS meteorologist Jeff Berardelli.
The tip of dog’s tongues always remind me of an upside down heart, is that just me?
…Still willing to do a few tricks for treats though!
I brought a leash for my normally hyper dog and it became pretty obvious I really didn’t need one. He was as slow as syrup. I even had to pick him up when the light changed! Normally he releases from his stay to cross the street like a gunshot!
Can you believe this area, now a greenway for pedestrians, used to be these train tracks?
There is still a bit of pretty wild left though! 🙂
And nods to the former history of the walk.
Even the crows are hotttt! 🔥🔥🔥
Can you spot Miles???
Late last summer we had terrible fires in the PNW ranging from California all the way into Canada and we were trapped indoors for two weeks because the air quality was dangerous. This summer we are starting out with this heat wave. I think air purifiers and window air conditioners aren’t optional here anymore! My new little bedroom air conditioner is on back order set to arrive next week, and I do not imagine I will be returning it… Eep!
Random non-dog related note: I have been a celery + lemon juice addict for a while now. I always keep it in my fridge and relish a glass or two daily after hikes, but right now, it has REALLY helped me deal with this unexpected heat wave. Have you tried celery juice before? I swear, it isn’t just a weird diet fad. I didn’t know it had that reputation when I fell in love with it a year ago, and really, I think that reputation is not warranted! My friends always get so excited when I bring them a bottle of “Emma’s green juice.” You don’t need a fancy juicer to make it. I take 1/2 of a bunch of celery, wash it, cut it into big chunks and add to my blender, then squeeze 1/2 of a lemon’s juice into the blender. I then add 5-6 cups of water and blend for 40-60 seconds. Then I strain out and discard the fiber, and voila, I am left with the most delicious and hydrating juice ever! Normally this recipe lasts a few days in the fridge, but right now I am doubling it and drinking a full recipe every evening. It makes me feel so much better.
Hi Emma. Yes climate change is upon us. Depending where we live, we are all feeling the effects in one way or another. Feel so sorry for Max. He looks down and out. Hope things get better. Will definitely try your celery blend. Thank you.
Adjusting to it has been so tough!! Miles is taking it bit by bit. He can’t wait for his sunset walks. 🙂 Thanks for thinking of us Jeannette and the nice notes.
I absolutely love your posts and following you and Miles! Thank you for sharing your journey with the world! 🌸 I lost my beloved 13 yo WFT this year and we tried many of your recommendations and tips together. 💞
As a Texan who is all to familiar with the temperatures you describe, I will say to watch the concrete during the hottest part of the day, it’s so much hotter down there on the paws! ⭐️ You can also wet down a bandana (even chill it!) and tie it around their neck to keep them cool on walks. Not that Miles could get any more cool! 🌟🌟🌟
Hi Agatha, I am so glad you like our blog!! 💗 I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad I got to be part of your life together, that is really special! Thank you for saying that.
The pictures were taken at dusk (9:30pm), where the sun isn’t hot at all. I find the light so pretty then. The ambient temp is punishing. I have lots of posts about cooling gear, but man, this bubble thing is really next level. Miles isn’t wearing any gear right now – he’s getting hourly soaks during the day and several at night when we wake up both panting! 😂
Love the celery juice idea. We are in midwest – hot humid. My two are a bit molasses-like too. My pocket pyr seems bothered the most by the heat even though she is white and just did a summer shed. My shepherd-keeshond mix has a serious coat despite pro groom out last week. And his coloring is dark. Still, he seems to handle the heat better. Hey, if you can, can you recommend a dremel for mani-pedis. A couple of your older recommended models are no longer available. I am shooting for cordless! Thanks!
Hi Sandy! Let me know if you try the juice! Molasses is totally the right word, ha! 😂 😂 😂 I will update the Dremel article tonight with fresh links — I really appreciate you letting me know that! Check back on it tomorrow for new recommendations. Cordless is definitely where its at! Thanks so much for your comment!
Links are updated! It is a shame they don’t make a sturdy lightweight one anymore 🙁
Thanks for sharing Emma. You and Miles have been much in my thoughts. We had a about a week of high 90 degrees in early June. We also experienced those hot winds you mentioned and it was miserable for woman and dogs! My brother in Oregon reported they had 115F degrees yesterday. I cannot even imagine. Like you, they are hoping the fires are not bad, but they have already started.
Will try to celery juice. It sounds lovely. Hoping you return to more normal temps soon. Enjoy your air conditioner … it’s so hard to sleep well in a warm room. Lily, Ceri and I send love ❤️ to you and Miles.
Yep I have my air purifiers locked and loaded all ready to go… What a strange time it is! Urgh sleeping in a hot room is the worst!! Thanks for thinking of us, I appreciate it so much. 🙂 Thinking of you and the girls too! Let me know when you try the celery juice!
Loved your post, Em! Really hope the heat wave abates soon!! Miles’s relief when the cool water hit his back was palpable. Fingers crossed for prompt fan delivery.
PS — As always, your pictures are wonderful!
Aww thanks Didi! 🙂 Hugs!!!
Miles and Emma-Be careful of the concrete and asphalt! Be sure to put the back of your hand on it to test the temperature so the toe beans don’t cook. Out here even late in the day the concrete can be way too hot. We aren’t nearly as hot here yet this year as you are out there, but I fear that it will come.
Emma-You be careful on your solo walks. If you aren’t used to the heat and humidity it can really sneak up on you, and whack you.
Take care and hope your AC comes soon.
Hi Lorraine, as noted in the post, Miles isn’t going out during the day at all. These photos are at 9:30pm at sunset. The light is so pretty at sunset, but the sun is not hot at all. The ambient temperature is. The concrete was totally fine, in fact cooler than the air. I am an extremely responsible dog person who would never put Miles at risk. I appreciate your concern!
Emma-I know you wouldn’t put Miles into a bad situation. Sometimes I feel like all of the neighborhood thinks I am out of my mind when I lean down and feel the concrete!!
Take care in the heat.
Lorraine and Spike
Glad you understand Lorraine! Any wonderful dog person is definitely seen as weird in the neighborhood, so we have a lot in common! My neighbors know me as the person talking to people about dogs loudly over Zoom all day and they know not to leaf blow if they see me in the studio… They aren’t dog people so they are highly amused. A friend of mine is moving near to the GA border, when I visit I will let you know! 🙂 I was supposed to go to Agility Nationals in 2020 in GA… Missing my southern trips, the food is outstanding, it is so beautiful there, and the people are so nice.
I REALLY ENJOY YOR EMAILS..I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD WELSHIE .”DARCY” WHAT HAPPENED TO MOSES THE WELSH TERRIER..I LIVE IN INDIANA. HOPE THE HOT WEATHER BREAKS FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER. MILES IS SUCH A GREAT DOG!!!
Hi Bernadine! Awww thanks, I am happy to spread some joy around! Darcy is such a great name! Moses is staying with his family. Miles sends treats to Darcy!
I’m so sorry and sympathetic for you and Miles. I asked a breeder friend about how Welsh terriers handled the heat we get in the southeast US. She thought a second, then said, “Well, remember, it’s like they’re always wearing a black Gor tex jacket!” Whew! Hang in there, both of you.
Hi Imogene <3 Thank you for thinking of us!! The heat dome is dissipating now, and I can’t believe we made it through! For hot outdoor agility summer competitions I have come up with so many cooling solutions, but really those are for temporary heat during the day. This was so different. Honestly the only thing that worked for Mr. Miles was getting totally sprayed down every hour with cold water. It really saved him! In the PNW we won’t be able to not have AC anymore. I ordered a small window AC unit before this all happened — I am looking forward to it finally coming so we won’t ever be in total crisis again! How unexpected after living here all my life!
Hope you got the AC unit. Our Welshie had to play with the hose and baby pool every day when we got home from work. She went to the office with me. Winnie loved to bite the water as it was spraying. When it got really hot she would get in the plastic baby pool and submerge until all that was out of the water was her nose, eyes, ears, and top of the head. She looked like a cross between a Welsh Terrier and an alligator.
I’m so glad it’s finally better for you! I was thinking about you and other friends and family during that crazy heat wave. It’s so hard when it doesn’t cool off at night and there’s no breeze. Oliver just can’t function in high heat and humidity and he gets so restless. We have AC luckily, but we only go out for a quick pee during the heat of the day and then walk after dark when it’s the worst. Bonus – it’s really quiet out then! Great idea with spraying Miles down in the shower. The evaporation from their fur helps I think. Anyway, hopefully this won’t be a super regular occurrence for you, but at least you should have AC going forward.