We invite readers who live in the DMV and thrive in hot weather to come forward and share their appreciation for hot summers. Giving back involves feeling healthier, more alive, and even nostalgic. Some readers submitted photos to them that scream summer or tips to help those who like to stay cool.
Letters from readers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
“I don't mind sweating”
I love summer! The pool and beach were fun for my family of four. The longer daylight hours keep me out later than in the winter. Sunlight instead of cloud makes me happy. Oh, and the sunscreen smells so good. I don't mind sweating (most of the time). Snow is a pain…if you have to go anywhere/do anything. I also hate that my closet and entryway are cluttered with hats, gloves, snowsuits, and car scrapers all winter long, and there's salt on the floor, not to mention that prep takes longer because all of these items have to be put away On my children.
hint: Find some summer activities you enjoy and try making them a weekly activity or part of your summer routine. Wear lighter, cooler clothing to stay cool. I know it's hot, but let's get out. Vitamin D is good for you (still wear sunscreen!). If all else fails, be like my aunt, counting down the days to winter vacation.
— Connie Wesley, 42, Frederick, MD
“It’s cooler here, so angry”
I love hot summer days and I miss them. I moved to Ocean Pines during the pandemic, and I always compare the temperatures here to Laurel, MD, where I used to live, and feel truly outraged that it's cooler here. I love the hot weather and nights, being outside feels like walking into a sauna. summer!
— Jackie Ward, 62, Ocean Pines, MD (formerly Laurel)
“So happy”
I love the hot weather because I teach outdoor aqua fitness classes that bring so much joy to the participants!
— Nancy Brouillette, 68, Rockville, MD
'Like a huge hug'
I spent all summer on the front porch—hosting meetings, facilitating writing circles, reading, talking on the phone. I don't want to miss any of it. People watch me sweating on Zoom and wonder why I don’t go inside and blast the air conditioner, but then I miss the blazing sun, the piercing symphony of birds, and the loud chirping of cicadas.
I love the extremes of this season. Like turning the volume up to maximum. Plus, I didn’t need to wear anything extra on top to protect myself from the cold. Maybe the heat and humidity feel like a giant hug.
hint: I try to remember that this season will be over soon. It's so fleeting. I know that when the tiger lily buds begin to dry up, it means that summer is halfway over. Without heating, maybe we wouldn’t have the outdoor pool, popsicles, bare feet, and lush vegetation and flowers here.
— Amy Suardi, 55, Tenleytown
'glad to'
I don't like cold. The warmer the better. Believe it or not, the heat and humidity here are nothing compared to what I experienced growing up in the South, Arkansas, and Texas. Here, there are a few days of heat and humidity that rival those in the south, but overall it's very different than summer there. Here, there is a break in heat and humidity. Yes, there can be “heat waves” that last for a few weeks, but they always seem to ease as cooler fronts bring less humidity and heat. This is rare in the South during the summer. No major disruptions in heat and humidity are expected from May to mid-September.
hint: Be glad you're not in the Deep South; embrace our mild summers.
— Fletcher Bransford, 65, Sterling, Virginia.
“Freedom and Freedom”
I love hot weather! It's probably been a little too hot the last few days (95 degrees is about where I generally want to be), but no matter how hot it is, I prefer it to the freezing cold of winter. As I get older, many things are just good memories, but hot means playing outside, riding bikes, beautiful trees and flowers, baseball, swimming in Ocean City, concerts at Wolf Trap, and wearing shorts and t-shirts, sipping wine amidst the beautiful scenery of a Virginia winery, watching the light show provided by lightning bugs in my backyard, listening to the birds—basically, freedom and freedom.
What others appreciate is their business and I wish them all the best, but if they want it cold, I will deny their wish if I have my advice.
hint: Wear clothes in light colors and fabrics. Drink plenty of liquids, preferably iced ones. Stay near air conditioning.
— Glennwood Smith, 73, Arlington, VA.
“Our own private air conditioner”
It's great that the local football ground is less crowded, which means more space to play with my football-loving son.
hint: Embrace the heat while knowing your body's limits. I like to think of sweat as our own personal air conditioner.
— Sam Lee, 45, Vienna, Virginia.
“It’s like a hot yoga class.”
It makes me feel healthier! My body feels freer and more comfortable. It's like taking a hot yoga class – my muscles relax and warm up. I can also wear loose, comfortable clothes instead of wearing lots of layers.
hint: Get water if you can. There are free public swimming pools and spray parks all over DC! I've been by the pool. Get shade – Easier said than done in heat island communities, but there is a bus line to Rock Creek Park, which is generally much cooler than surrounding areas. Try to find suitable clothing and equipment. If you're going somewhere where you have to look good, makeup or body wipes can be very helpful.
— Mary Ellen Dingley, 34, Van Nuys.
“I'm in heaven”
I grew up in Germany in the 1970s. It never gets above 75 degrees in the summer. In the summer it's mostly around 65 degrees. It rained almost all the time. It’s so depressing! I'm always cold. When I moved back to Virginia in 1982, I felt like I was in heaven: the smell of magnolia trees, mimosa trees, and dogwoods. Most importantly, I love the feeling of moisturized skin. It's so hot that I can actually wear shorts, a cute sleeveless top, and flip flops again. It feels like freedom!
Hopefully people will remind themselves that some people have been living in the cold and the dark.
hint: Complete all chores by 8am Close all curtains and curtains at 10am Take a walk in the shade of the woods.
— Nicole Busse, 67, Charlottesville
