Base copes with above-normal temps Published Aug. 17, 2010 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- This July was one of the hottest on record for the Maxwell-Gunter and Montgomery area, and there are no signs of a cool down in the immediate future, forecasters say. The average high temperature last month was 95.5 degrees Fahrenheit, the record high of 97.6 degrees being set in 2000. The average high for June and July was 95 degrees, a mere 0.7 degrees below the record of 95.7 degrees set in 1952. With an average temperature for June through July of 83.7 degrees Fahrenheit, the area wasn't far behind the record of 84.3 degrees set in 1881. Dave Scott, the Maxwell Weather Station manager, said the heat wave is the result of a rather persistent and stationary upper-level high centered over Arkansas and western Tennessee. He said the high being positioned to the north-northwest has allowed the River Region to receive some rainfall, which wouldn't happen if the system was directly over the local area. "There have been abnormal conditions that have resulted in our average high of 94 degrees at Maxwell being above the normal high of about 91 degrees for this area this time of year," he said. "It could be worse, though, such as when the high was directly over us in the summer of 2007, and we had 12 straight days of 100-plus temperatures and tied a record of 107 degrees." Mr. Scott said summer weather systems are weaker than winter systems, so it is hard to predict how much longer the area will see abnormal high temperatures. He said if present conditions continue, the hot weather could extend into September, but the National Hurricane Center is predicting 14 to 20 named storms for this year's hurricane season. He said if a strong tropical storm or a hurricane comes into the Gulf of Mexico, it could easily bring additional rain and cooler weather. The National Weather Service is predicting a continuation of temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s for at least the next five days. Precipitation chances range from zero percent to 40 percent during that period. Handling the heat As a result of the abnormally high temperatures, Col. Frank Rossi, Air and Space Basic Course commandant, said the about 350 ASBC students are taking precautions to avoid heat-related problems. "The focus of the exercising has been more on hydration. We are watching the base flag conditions and pushing hydration," he said. "We have had a couple of incidents involving students being overcome by the hot weather, but they have gone to the clinic, received fluids and were able to return to duty. Actually, this is about normal for just about every ASBC summer class." Capt. Mark Schoenbeck, Officer Training School executive officer, said OTS is also taking precautions against the heat. "For the Basic Officer Training classes, we have pushed the outdoor activity to earlier in the morning, usually starting between 5:30 and 6 a.m., and are pushing fluids," he said. "Additionally, we have gotten permission from the medical group to use Gatorade at the outdoor hydration stations." Jeremy Abbott of the base Bio-Environmental Engineering office said BEE's advice to base units is that they do physical training in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. He said in July, both the Red Flag and Black Flag conditions normally arrive by 9 a.m. "People exercising need to drink plenty of water, but be advised that too much water can be dangerous," he said. "You need to remain hydrated, and the wingman concept is key. Having a running partner could save a life." The Military.Com website also stresses not drinking too much water too quickly, as that can result in the normal balance of electrolytes being pushed outside their safe limits. The heat can also have a bad effect on pets and plant life, and there are some guidelines to follow in caring for both. Tech. Sgt. Ryan Veith, 42nd Security Forces Squadron kennel master, said pets are the same as humans when it comes to hot weather. "If you are uncomfortable in this weather, then your dog or cat is really uncomfortable because of their fur. Also, they don't cool like we do, so it is essential to have shade and cool water for them if they are outdoors," he said. "If your dog is wheezing or panting heavily, it is time to quickly get him or her into a cool area. The hot weather can exponentially increase the stress on an animal, and panting is an indicator they are struggling with the heat." Sergeant Veith said not to give them ice-cold water, as their systems cannot absorb water at that temperature. It should be cool water from the tap and changed periodically if it becomes hot. Maxwell-Gunter horticulturist Jane McCarthy said common sense should guide everyone in caring for lawns, trees, shrubs and flower gardens. "Try to water in the morning and be finished by 1 p.m. Watering at night or at dusk will leave moisture on the plants that can promote fungal growth," she said. "My personal opinion is that grass will go dormant in the hot weather but will come back. It's the trees and bushes that can be hurt the worst by this type of heat." Ms. McCarthy said not to water trees and shrubs every day but every few days with a "deep water," a slow trickle of water for about 20 minutes to let it sink deep into the soil. She said flowerbeds need a good soaking about once a week.