The heat is on

the past week no doubt was rather abrupt, and a bit of a shock to our systems.

Nevertheless, it is summer time in Southern Illinois, and we all know what that means. It’s likely we can look forward to plenty more heat and lots of high humidity, two conditions which make summer in Southern Illinois so extra special.

The heat certainly is unpleasant, but it also will help gardens to grow. Home-grown tomatoes, if not already here, should be ready to pick at almost any time.

In the meantime, we can take steps to safely endure the heat of summer. Heed the advice of experts. Drink plenty of liquids. Keep an eye out for young children and the elderly. Don’t ever leave a young child in a vehicle on a sweltering hot day. Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water. Use a little common sense.

The heat certainly is uncomfortable, but it just might be a little better than the conditions we’ve seen during the last couple of winters.

Besides, we know the heat won’t last forever. Fair week is almost right around the corner. . .soon to be followed by fall.