August Heat: Just Another Reason to Hate This City

Manhattan Sweltering: Prepare for a Sticky August Day

Let’s be blunt: it’s hot. 76 degrees Fahrenheit at 8:51 AM, and we're already sweating. This isn't a pleasant warmth; this is the kind of humid stickiness that clings to you like an unwanted relative. While the sun is shining now, don's let that fool you. The day will deteriorate into a muggy 85 degrees with only partly cloudy skies. Let's not celebrate the partly – it's a tease.

The forecast, frankly, doesn’t inspire confidence. We’re looking at a high of 85, a low of 70 – which isn’t exactly cool relief when you’re already drenched in humidity – and a persistent easterly wind doing absolutely nothing to alleviate the oppressive air. Sunrise was at a useless 5:56 AM, and sunset at a marginally less useless 8:06 PM.

Beyond today, the extended forecast isn’t exactly a picnic either. Wednesday and Thursday offer marginal improvements with mostly clear conditions and temperatures in the low 80s, but that persistent easterly wind remains. Friday is sunny, but the humidity will still be present. Saturday offers a mostly clear respite.

And, because this city can't just have good news, a word of warning: peak hurricane season is upon us. That means potential disruptions and a constant low-level anxiety that should probably be factored into your daily stress levels.

Finally, a shout-out to those of you suffering from summer skin concerns. Don't be naive and skip the sunscreen. And if you're venturing into parks, be aware of the ongoing spread of the tick causing red meat allergies – a delightful bonus to the general misery.

In short: Hydrate. Find shade. And contemplate the absurdity of existence while you sweat.