Monday, June 14, 2021

Welcome to SweatFest 2021!

SweatFest.... a celebration of heat, humidity, hurricanes, and horseflies. As well as lots of mosquitos, and the occasional tropical storm. Conversely, it's also fun time for those who love the beach, snowballs, and cutting grass.  

Memorial Day weekend is usually the kickoff for 90 degree days and 70 degree nights, and high humidity.  Enjoy the June breezes now because come July they go away and the sweating kicks up a notch. By early September, the nights are long enough for radiative cooling to take effect, even if the days are still a bit balmy.

As for tropical weather activity, it's hard to imagine any worse than last year. A record number of storms impacted Louisiana, including the worst storm to hit southwest Louisiana since Rita (Laura). The National Hurricane Center predicts another above-average year. And as of this writing, a depression in the Bay of Campeche threatens to become Tropical Storm Claudette by the weekend, with serious rain totals for the southeast parishes.

The summer sun and heat of SweatFest bring dangers to anglers. Heat stroke is the number one threat. Bring an ice chest or cooler tote bag with water and/or sports drinks to stay hydrated. Skin exposed to high UV radiation leads to sunburn, and over time to skin cancer. Protect your skin by putting on a high-SPF waterproof sunscreen before you get on the water. Wear long sleeve breathable shirts, a rim cap or a bill cap in conjunction with a gaitor (buff). Always were some type of cover for your feet.

Also be aware that thunderstorms can be a daily occurence in summer. At the first sign of towering  cumulus clouds, start making your way back to the launch (especially if you're in a kayak). Lightning can strike from eight miles away, so waiting for lightning to approach is not a smart option!