The start of summer is announcing its presence with authority in Artesia.
The recent extreme heat is expected to continue through the end of this week, with temperatures around 100 today, climbing to 103 Wednesday, 107 Thursday, and 109 Friday before potentially dropping back into the mid-80s by Sunday.
As such, residents are urged to take necessary precautions.
Prolonged exposure during the hottest hours of the day is discouraged but, if necessary, hydration is key – keep plenty of water and sports drinks on hand to replenish electrolytes lost to excessive sweating.
The UV index in Artesia is currently listed as “very high,” meaning it won’t take much for that golden tan to turn lobster red; residents are encouraged to wear plenty of sunscreen and remember to reapply throughout the day. Hats are also a good idea to prevent burning of the scalp.
With summer comes grilling season, and while desert dwellers love to prove a point by experimenting with dashboard cuisine, those utilizing an actual grill are also urged to be safe.
Safety measures should be taken to prevent fires, and the grillmaster should also mind the increased temperatures around the grill area – hydrate, rest between checking the burgers and dogs, and keep cool, wet towels around for the head and back of the neck.
For those heading to the store to pick up the fixings, NationalToday.com recently conducted a Postmates Summer Solstice Study, which found hamburgers at the top of the list of summer foods Americans crave the most (69 percent).
Close behind were hot dogs (55 percent), followed by steak (49 percent), barbecued chicken (46 percent) and ribs (44 percent).
As for toppings, cheese led the way (82 percent), followed by lettuce (77 percent), ketchup (69 percent), tomatoes (69 percent) and pickles (64 percent). Ketchup also won the condiment wars (25 percent), trailed by chili (18 percent), mustard (15 percent) and relish (8 percent).
Due to the weather, residents with grass yards are also often tempted to water during the hottest hours of the day, but they are urged to resist that temptation.
Watering during the early afternoon and evening hours does a lawn more harm than good. The water evaporates rapidly, meaning the majority of it is wasted. Watering in the early morning hours is best, as excess water will subsequently dry by midday, decreasing the chance for disease.
But if common sense isn’t discouragement enough, the City of Artesia’s water ordinance prohibits spray irrigation between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. through Oct. 31 and sets a limit of three watering days per week through August.
Plants that need watered daily may be watered from a container rather than by sprinkler or hose.
The fine for an initial violation of the ordinance is $25, increasing to $75 for a second violation, $300 for a third, and $500 for a fourth and beyond.
