It’s not the Heat it’s the…Okay its most Definitely the Heat

All y’all in Wisconsin count the Heat Index hours in the summer like we counted the hours below 32 degrees during an Atlanta winter.

Yes, we looked at those cold hours below 32 degrees like a national emergency. The fact of the matter is that most people are running a heat pump for warmth down south. Think of a heat pump as running an air-conditioner in reverse and below 32 degrees they became rather inefficient. Not to mention our water pipes are rather exposed and freeze easily.

Despite my vast experience with southern summer heat, a classic Wisconsin heatwave presents its own challenges in the land of minimal AC. Wisconsin spends nine months reminding us what frostbite feels like, then suddenly decides we're all honorary Southerners – even if it’s just from two days to two weeks.

Here are three proven heat wave survival tips from my time down south:

• I’ll start with the most obvious one, stay hydrated – but stick with water. Despite what you’ve heard about the stereotypical sugar laden cold glass of southern sweet tea – excessive sugar will dehydrate you.

• If you have window AC units, use regular fans too in order to keep the air moving and mixed. Cold air will settle. Hot air will rise. Having adequate fans mixing the air will help your AC cycle less.

• Up here the sun rises earlier than it did down south, use that time wisely in the summer heat. Work in your garden before the sun is high in the sky. Noon to 3 pm are going to be the worst parts of the day for heat.

Don't worry, though. This heat wave won't last forever. Before you know it, we'll all be wearing hoodies in the morning, arguing about whether 55 degrees is shorts weather, and pretending we missed summer.

And remember complaining about the weather is Wisconsin's favorite year-round sport. Look on the bright side, at least it stopped snowing.