Heat Dome
This week coinciding with the first day of summer is the dreaded heat dome. Think polar vortex but on the opposite end of the seasons. To be honest, I’d rather have the cold, but catch me standing at market on a sub-freezing morning and I might say otherwise.
I’ve got a friend hiking in Yellowstone this week and this morning when she woke up it was snowing. Another can’t wait for her Alaskan cruise later this week. You know who can’t get on a plane and escape this historic oppressive heat—your farmers. This is what we signed on for when we took on the tough calling to produce food and an even bigger commitment to bring it to the farmers markets. Trust me, standing out on the black top in triple-digit temperatures is no picnic, but we’ll do it because our customers are there for us week after week even when you can fry an egg on the pavement.
For farmers, a heat dome means adjustments to our schedules and routines. No one is working out into their fields, orchards, and barns without being prepared. Lots of extra water for farmers, workers, crops, and livestock. If we can, we’ll start hours earlier than normal to get our work done before the sun’s zenith. On market days, though, we don’t have that option so we come prepared.
When temperatures and humidity soar, it affects more than our comfort and well-being. It curtails our access to certain foods. Tender fruits and vegetables may not be as abundant after a hot week due to the inability to get them harvested and into a refrigerated packing and storage facility before they wilt and liquify. And while they may make it to market, once you purchase them it’s up to you to continue to shield them from extreme temperatures. Those insulated bags you use for cold items will now be needed for all items. Consider also bringing a larger cooler with ice packs with which to transport your market goodies back to your home. If a hot car can kill toddlers and pets in ten minutes, imagine what it will do to your strawberries and salad greens.
Speaking of small children and pets, LEAVE THEM AT HOME this week. Children have lower body mass to surface area ratios which cause them to lose liquids more quickly than adults. I’m sorry, but a popsicle isn’t going to cut it for hydration in extreme heat for the time it takes to make a circuit around the market and chat with neighbors. Last week I saw plenty of miserable kiddos in hot strollers, even offering to mist their sunburned toes with cool water when possible. If adults want to turn as red as a boiled lobster in the hot sun, that’s their business, but please don’t do it to your kids’ bare feet and legs poking out from under the canopy of your fancy Mockingbird.
While I’m on the subject of feet, let’s talk about the doggies. Again, LEAVE THEM AT HOME, not out in the dome. I know your four footed fury darlings are dearly loved, but if you really care for them you wouldn’t subject them to pavement temperatures which can reach 175 degrees in 90 degree heat in the sun. So what if you just picked up your impeccable Newfoundland from the groomers and want to swing by the market for a treat. This isn’t Westminster and your dog will be miserable, quite possibly injured. You really want a vet bill on top of your grooming bill? Leave your pets at home out of the sun and off the pavement. There’s a reason many vendors bring mats or put down cardboard on which to stand during extreme heat.
If you absolutely cannot leave your kids and dogs at home, consider being first in line when the market opens or pre-order online for curbside pick-up. You know we’ve got that routine down after years of pandemic shopping and many vendors still offer that service.
And you, dear customers, in these temperatures just strolling through the market means at least 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. Here’s a tip, if you bring a water bottle along to market and don’t want to carry it, stash it in that cooler with either ice or cold packs you brought along to safely transport you groceries home. No one wants a water bottle filled with water the same temperature as your hot tub when it’s time to go home.