Hot Sun

Observation: Is it just me? when the sun comes out, its pretty warm, warmer then before, like baking in the sun, after the rain yesterday, while out on the river, the sun came out and baked me. It was then that I realized that for some years back now its been unusually warm to the skin. I don't know if its just me or what?

LEO says: According to WEATHER UNDERGROUND on the 5th of September the Max Temperature read 60° F. Going back several days, starting on August 30, the max temperature started at 71° F then begin dropping on an average of about 2° to 3° Fahrenheit a day leading up to 9-5-16.

ANTHC Community Environment and Health Consult: Climate change is causing higher temperatures in Alaska. This year was the warmest on record. Within the Alaska Tribal Health System we are hearing more about extreme temperatures and people looking for new ways to protect their skin from sun burn (see link at CDC), and also to stay cool, so they do not get a heat related illness (see link at CDC) Keeping homes and other buildings cool is a growing issues in Alaska, because of the higher temperatures and the fact that many building (especially in rural Alaska) depend on opening windows to the outside for cooling. In more and more communities, the outside temperatures can be even hotter then inside. Staying cool inside confined spaces such as boats, tents and small airplanes can also be a challenging. Dressing appropriately to keep cool is one tip and taking care not to bundle infants too tightly on hot days. Staying hydrated and providing shade is important for people and for pets. When inside, use shades to reduce solar heating of rooms, and use fans to create a draft. If it is really hot, you can hang a wet sheet in front of a fan, and blow cool air. Air conditioning is an approach that is currently being used in Interior Alaska, such as in Fort Yukon where the state high temperature record of 100 degree Fahrenheit resides.