By PARRY TEASDALE
LAST WEEKEND WE WOKE UP our parkas, boots and winter shoes that were so comfortable through the winter and spring. We cherish them but they were hibernating on, around and on top of the things even more precious now: our half dozen window air conditioners. The first to be installed will be the smallest unit of our collection and the hardest one to reach.
The task of clearing away those winter shoes in the gloomy cave below the staircase brought up the question of whether the job was worth the effort. Do we need all the air conditioning we’ve got, invest in more air conditioning or should we confine our living space to fewer rooms? Judging from the traffic on the internet, one fact stands out: a lot of people want these and similar questions answered.
This survey is far from comprehensive.
The New York State Department of Public Services (DPS) looks at the weather ahead and asks: will the state have enough power to keep everything running all summer long? Here’s how DPS explains it:
“On a statewide basis, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) forecasts that New York should have enough electricity to meet demand for the period from June through September. The NYISO projects that New York’s peak demand will be 32,048 megawatts (MW). A review of the electric system and utility preparedness indicates that New York will have 41,148 MW worth of capacity resources which will meet summer peak demand and provide a cushion in case of severe hot weather.”
https://dps.ny.gov/summer-energy-outlook
The Google Accuweather website responds to the question by predicting that in this state we will face 18 to 22 days when the temperature will reach or exceed 90º F. That’s useful if you also have the temperature data. At least you’ll know it’s going to be hot sometime this summer.
A New York Times story had a meteorologist reporter on the heat ahead. He said it is “likely to be hot in the U.S.,” adding, “… Hotter than normal.” Well, that ought to make us all feel better. Or maybe not.
The Times also explained its color chart for temperature differences. So it looks like the chance is somewhere between 50-and-60% that New York will have a summer this year that will be hotter than normal. I’d like to say that I’m not making this up. But without meaning to, I probably have. And I’m paying attention.
It’s not that these sources want to confuse us. The difficulty is finding a common set of measurements that will show the public how the climate is changing and how that affects different sections of this country and the Earth. If you already have a candidate for a regularly updated source, let me know at
Keep in mind that the current system appears to be a satisfactory formula for the folks who stand to profit from climate change and they’re to become even more in control (think AI).
I will get back to the survey questions as soon as we install the other three window air conditioners.
