TEXAS WHEN IT SIZZLES

Do you remember the Texas heat wave of the summer of '98? Day after sizzling day, as sunshine beat down on the dry Texas landscape, forecasters seemed stuck in a groove. Forecast after forecast was "98 and sunny again today!" Before the heat broke, Texans had suffered through 30 days in a row of 100+ degree weather. As people sweltered, reporters warned against leaving children and pets in cars; the federal government stepped in with over $100 million for air conditioners to protect the elderly and poor; and still, 87 people died.

Pleants and animals also died. Farmers claimed over $5 billion in crop losses; with hay in short supply, even domisticated cattle suffered. Lakes and rivers dried up, leading to severe restrictions on water use. Because of dry conditions, fire was a constant threat. Food shortages led to soaring prices for produce and other goods. Power outages, foreclosures, and unemployment increased with the heat. By July 4 when rain finally fell, people were relieved to cancel their traditional picnics.

Soaring summer temperatures have always been commonplace in Texas. Afterall, the southern latitudes of the state are among the lowest in North America. Much of western Texas is a desert; the eastern portion of the state is steaming bog and wetland ringed by drought-resistant trees; and the coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico are trimmed with hot and arid sand dunes. Texas natives--people, plants, and animals--know that their environment is prone to heat and drought and have developed adaptions to survive the summer heat.