
Baking in Paradise
Although southern Florida is 400 miles closer to the tropics than northern Florida, it doesn't feel like it because of the prevailing sea breeze. There is no doubt about it, and the snowbirds will prove it every December: the sunshine state is one of the warmest places on the United States mainland in winter.
Summers are often hot, but the high temperatures are tempered by frequent afternoon or early evening thunderstorms. Thunderstorms occur, on the average, about half of the summer days. Often these storms trigger a rapid drop of 10- to 20-degrees in temperature, resulting in comfortable weather for the remainder of the day.
The highest recorded temperature was 109 degrees in Monticello, in Florida's Panhandle, on June 29, 1931. The lowest recorded temperature was 2 degrees below zero in Tallahassee on February 13, 1899.
Everybody likes a nice suntan, right?
But you need to be careful out there. A UV index of 10+ is terribly high, and you will not feel very well during the next night if you want to brave it out without protection.
Always put on plenty of sunscreens and wear good sunglasses to cut out glare and UV rays. Make sure to bring clothes that will cover you up and try to avoid the time slot when sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their strongest (11 AM to 2 PM). Keep in mind: a sunburn is a real burn of your skin! It is not only a little irritation.
Ask your skin doctor: the skin will never forget and forgive. Even sunburns you had some 50 years ago can cause skin cancer at any time. Also, keep in mind that UVA/UVB rays will damage not only the fibers in the skin, which will make you look like you are 100 years older than you are (photoaging), it will damage the skin's cellular DNA as well. Those genetic mutations can lead to skin cancer.
Why do you want to do this to your skin? Once you are back home, working in your "cozy" little cubicle, your tan will fade away.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids
Preferably water - not beer! In the summertime, lifeguards see at least two cases of heatstroke per day. One can of a soft drink is simply not enough while baking in the sun for hours. A rule of thumb: When you feel thirsty, it is already too late. Once you feel a headache or dizziness, or you feel cold (although you are in the hot sun? Hm!) you have reached the last exit before a major surprise strikes out of the blue. Search immediately for shade, drink a lot of water and try to cool down (splash your body with water or look for an air-conditioned room). Stay out of the sun for the rest of the day. Don't drink any alcohol while in a state like this. The cold beer may taste great, but will knock you off your feet!