After 37 years living in Merida, I can tell precisely when the hot season starts. For 2013, that day was yesterday… after the rain.
The heat we’re poised to receive for the next seven to eight months does not feel like it is radiating from a nearby hot spot, it is an all pervasive part of the environment…
Mercifully, there’s usually some relief in the evenings because the breeze blows in from the Gulf of Mexico. But the humidity is still so heavy. If you think you can “take the heat”… these coming months will test your mettle.
March to November in Yucatan separates the men from the boys… so to speak. I must be truthful and place myself in the “sniveling baby” category. But after such a long time, I have learned that its much better to work with the heat. Fighting it is a losing battle. Here are a few of my strategies…
H… Have water at your side all the time; drink at least 8 glasses a day and eat lightly
E… Exercise during the early morning or late evening; always walk on the shady side of the street
A… Attitude is important; don’t obsess about the heat
T… Take a siesta during the hot hours; staying rested will keep you cool
If you have access to a pool, this is a Godsend. Submerging your full body in the water will cool your core and bring your temperature down. Air conditioning (at least in the bedroom) is another blessing…
Actually, I don’t dislike the heat all that much except when I have to get “dressed up.” Make-up running down my face, hair wilting and clothing sticking to me like Saran-Wrap is not a pleasant experience… I have built up a wardrobe of light-weight cotton blouses, Capri-length pants and strappy sandals. Don’t worry about being seen in the same clothing all the time. Be comfortable.
There are days when even my best laid strategies fall short of the intended result. There are days when the heat gets to me and when that happens… I retire to my air conditioned room. Don’t push yourself too hard…
And do keep in mind that November is only about 220 sleeps away!
I’m coming to Merida in May to show my brother and sister-in-law my new home. My brother is not a fan of the heat and I purposely did not tell him how hot it gets. Thought I’d wait until he purchased a ticket.
We now have tickets in hand and I’m going to forward this post to him…and then not answer the phone for a few days…
In all seriousness though, thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely take them to heart!
You should be OK as long as you take it easy. Rest from 1:00 – 5:00 pm, or be inside where there is AC. I hope you’ll get in touch when you’re here
I definitely will. Maybe Lee, Paul and the two of you can meet us one evening for drinks and ceviche poolside at my hotel. It was wonderful last time!
Sounds like a plan! Lee toldme you had a great time and I look forward to meeting you
You are amazing! We are leaving tomorrow, but I will still be reading your every word! See you in October. Susan Carson
Oh Susan I didn’t know you were off so soon. Have a safe trip and I look forward to seeing you next year.
Today I potted two plants, I was a drippy mess after just that bit of exertion, then cooking lunch, OMG, I’m just not ready. and the pool is still too cold for me!
I know Deb… I know… We just have to get our minds around it, then it will be easier to take.
I understand Melaque is still experiencing Spring weather. I hope so. I would like my mother’s visit to be as pleasant as possible for her. But I have noticed that our hot seasons to be linked with yours.
How hot is your “hot” season? It is hard to imagine too many places hotter than here.
There is a point where I cease to feel the increase in heat. That is when I retreat to the highlands.
If one can get away at some point during the hottest time of the year, it is the best! Highlands are a great option… Be well Steve!
Yesterday I got an email from my son who lives northeast of Toronto saying that it was cold and miserable there and how lucky I was to be here. It has never ceased to amaze me how at home (Canada) we pay a fortune and confer with energy consultants on ways to effectively and economically keep the heat IN and the cold OUT while at the same time folks here take the same action to keep the heat OUT and the cold IN. What a world we live in!!
It is all a matter of degree (no pun intended) All extreme temperatures are hard to take. And it is also about the length of time we are immersed in either very high or very low temps.
I can deal with most of it, most of the time. My hair defeats me though. I hate how unruly the curls get and how frizzy it can get if not beaten down into something resembling order. The next 6 months will just be one big bad hair day.
My hair is as straight as a poker stick. In the humidity it looks awful… no hair looks as nice as it should in the humidity we have, so Joanne, you’re in good company
And don’t forget our computer coolers. There are so many variables to this, that I cannot go into it here. But….
Ah yes, we have to look after all our digital friends too
I really don’t envy you the upcoming months. I hope you are able to get through it without too much discomfort. I don’t think I could handle it!
You get used to it Shannon. There are so many good things about living in Merida, and you have to take the good with the bad. Getting away for a nice cool break is the key
I’ve never seen so many capri pants as I have in Merida. I suppose they don’t go in and out of style like they do in the U.S.
Capris are so practical. A little less casual than shorts, but cool. They are super in this climate. And that never goes out of style
I’m about to arrive in Merida for a trial run and picked this time of year to specifically test the weather – I figure if I can hack the worst Merida can throw at me, it’s definitely a contender for a permanent move! I’m counting the days and even though our Toronto winter hasn’t been too bad this year, I never want to see my ice scraper again!
Thank you Brenda… you are wise to come here when it is hot. Many foreign residents did not do that and are they “up the creek” now. Stay in touch!