Extreme Short-Duration Temperature Changes in the U.S.

 

     As soon as we get home hot and tired the temptation is to crank up the air conditioning (or is it crank it down?!). But, did you know we are advised against doing that? 

     The reason is, the experts say, is that a sudden drop in temperature from hot to cold can be harmful to the human body and especially for people who have chronic cold-related problems. A sudden and extreme change in temperature between inside and outside harms the body and puts it under stress as the body is forced to adjust to the extreme change in temperature. 

     The sudden change in temperature can dry the skin, the mucus membrane and eyes. The result can be itchy eyes and sneezing and even eye, respiratory infections and muscle spasms. Other problems that sudden temperature changes can bring about are runny nose, asthma attacks, muscular pains, sinusitis, flu, colds, sore throat, pains and muscular aches. Extremely low temperature can worsen an existing medical condition, especially in older people. 

     A sudden change in temperature can cause cardiac events in patients with existing heart issues can also take place. Such people should also not work or sleep in temperatures that are too low. 

     The ideal temperature inside malls, offices, hospitals and other closed environments should be between 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the recommended thermostat setting
is 78 degrees and in the winter 68 degrees is recommended for energy savings. Personally, I prefer the other way around...I don't mind paying a little extra in utility bills to be comfortable. 

     It's recommended that when the temperature is too hot outside, the air conditioner be turned off foe awhile before going out into the heat. Question: who's going to do that?! 

     Experts say that our body needs time to acclimatize from extreme temperature changes because the blood vessels are affected. In the cold they store heat while in the heat the opposite occurs and this sudden change boogers up the process which affects the heart. Therefore, it is advised that we slowly switch temperatures. That's why when the temperature changes with the seasons we often get sick. Spending long hours in air conditioning can make you heat intolerant when you go outside. This makes you feel exhausted and dizziness, fatigue, headache, difficulty in breathing even heat stroke may result. 

     But, sometimes nature strikes with extreme temperature change. For example, on January 15, 1972 in Loma, Montana in a 24 hour period the temperature rose from minus 54 degrees to to 49 degrees, a 103 degree spread. What could cause such a thing? Find out HERE. 

 

Question...if it is 0 degrees F. and it's twice as cold tomorrow, what will the temperature be? Answer