Editor’s Note: Bring On the Heat

To those who say that we eventually get used to the heat here in Louisiana, I would reply, that is categorically untrue. We do not. At least I haven’t. Our summers are brutal here, with the heat and humidity peaking during the months of July and August. Walking from your front step to your car will have you breaking a sweat, even early in the morning.

So how do we do it? That’s what visitors ask. How do we manage the summer heat?

Well, it’s a tradeoff. We stand the heat by enjoying all the things that make Louisiana a beautiful place to live. This is when we try our best to ignore the temperature and lean in to trying out new restaurants, going to hear music and getting out on the water. Sailing, swimming, tubing, jet skiing and fishing are all perfect activities for the summer, and ones we can’t get enough of once temps soar into the high nineties. There are hotels with pools and outside spots to stay cool, but during these sweltering months, we really take advantage of spending time with our people — gatherings and parties are ways to enjoy the food and each other’s company while commiserating about how hot it is and when it’ll get cool again. But it’s alright — because we’re all in it together.

And if the lure of a good party or a righteous barbecue still isn’t enough to make the summer bearable, it’s the ideal time for a vacation or a road trip. The kids are out of school and there’s nothing better than a new locale to get your energy back up. For example, in this issue, Becca Hensley writes about all the fun things to do in Rockport, Texas.

As far as natural places to cool off, Cheré Coen highlights spots to cool down in both lakes and streams around Louisiana. She showcases places such as the Toledo Bend and Lincoln Parish Park Lake as well as the Bogue Chitto River and Liberty Lagoon Water Park.

So there are options! Good ones. Escape the heat indoors with air conditioning and good friends and food, dunk ourselves in a body of water, indoors or out and if all else fails, hit the road. If the folks in New Orleans need a place to vent, there’s even a Twitter/X account called @neworleansheat, which is a dedicated account for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings and fury about the hot, steamy days.

Whatever coping method you choose, know that we’re in it together!

Reine Dugas
Editor
Reine@Louisianalife.com