Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61
Curious as to how others have/ have not acclimated to living in Florida during the summer months.
I’m from the West (California, then 20 years in Colorado), where the summer temperatures generally peaked around the mid 80s during the day (50s at night), with very low humidity. My Colorado home didn’t even have air conditioning. I’ve never done well with heat, and that was the only real concern I had about moving to Florida.
Last summer, was my first summer here, and everyone told me that it was hotter than normal. We’ve already had some toasty temps this year, and I have seemed to have already surprisingly adapted to the Florida heat/humidity. I get out early in the morning for my physical activities, stay indoors for a few hours during the afternoons, then back out again for evening and social activities. I’ve come to actually look forward to summers here (way less crowded and I like the fact that it’s already warm when you wake up).
Have you adapted well to Florida summers, or is it a season you don’t look forward to?
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Your post is a good example of how to acclimate. If you are a relatively permanent resident, adjust your exposure to the heat by time and time of day as the heat season approaches.
If you travel down during the hot season it can take 3 to 6 weeks to acclimate (first week is the worst) depending on your age, habitus, and medical status.
Wear light poly fabrics made to pass moisture. I use light short sleeve poly polo shirts for hot environments and the same in long sleeve that have roll up sleeves (the long sleeve is meant for sun protection, and helps block ambient infrared from the ground/structures and can be cooler in direct sun). Look for fabrics with a high SPF factor. T's can work, too (I like the poly shirts because I can fold up the colar for neck protection). Take a cooling towel to use on your neck if doing sports, exercise, or just lounging at the pool. Look at what hot desert based people wear - they cover up. But we do not need to be that extreme here. If the humidity is high, evaporative cooling methods do not work as well.
Wear a hat with a brim. UV exposure here is much higher than our northern homes. Use sunscreen with a high SPF factor. Nose and ears are particularly vulnerable. Do not forget insteps and back of knees. Use the shade and breeze.
Drink plenty of water if your medical condition allows. Doing daily weights is smart when coming in a heat season to watch hydration.
Avoid cotton. As any outdoors person can tell you "Cotton Kills".
Stay out of the direct sun and avoid hot spots if you have the opportunity. Go inside into air-conditioned area if you feel fatigue.
Wear quality sunglasses outside. No reason to hasten the cataract progression.
Stay cool!