Hot today at 103F, 39.4C!!!…Unseasonably hot weather…How do we manage?…

Today, temperatures are expected to reach 103°F (39.4°C), which is unseasonably hot for this time of year. October and November are typically not so hot months in Marloth Park, as we transition from the dry season into the early summer green season. October average highs generally range from 84°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C), while November temperatures are often similar, with increasing humidity and the possibility of afternoon rain showers. However, today and over the next several days, temperatures are considerably higher than normal, making it challenging for everyone.

How are we managing this heat right now? It isn’t easy since whole-house air conditioning isn’t common in African homes. We are incredibly grateful to have air conditioning in our main floor bedroom, as well as the upstairs bedroom where Colleen and Paulette will stay when they arrive in 13 days. We hope temperatures return to more normal levels by then, but at least they will have a cool place to sleep at night, no matter how hot it gets during the day.

For now, we spend our days in whichever part of the house feels coolest. We can sit outside on the veranda or move to the dining room table with both doors wide open. Unfortunately, the doors have no screens, so we have no control over insects entering the house.

Yesterday, when temperatures were a few degrees lower, we enjoyed a pleasant breeze while sitting on the veranda. Today, there isn’t a breath of air, and the heat feels considerably more oppressive. We have retreated to the dining room table, where we have two small portable fans. One plugs into an outlet near the little bar in the dining room, which Tom is using, while the other plugs into my laptop.

The veranda has only one electrical outlet, currently occupied by the outdoor refrigerator. On Monday, Vusi will bring us an adapter that should allow us to plug in a fan outside. We would much rather spend our time on the veranda, where we can watch the bush and enjoy whatever wildlife wanders by, even in hot weather.

From our current spot at the dining room table, we can still see most of the animals coming and going. However, today is just as uncomfortable for them as it is for us. They are staying under the trees and other shady areas, seeking relief from the intense sunshine.

Two hours after we delivered our lucerne this morning, not a single animal stopped by to enjoy its favorite treat. That says a lot about the heat! We don’t expect much wildlife today, though we will be delighted if a few of our regular visitors decide to stop by.

Last night, we were fortunate the temperature dropped enough for us to enjoy our evening out at Jabula. We had a delicious dinner and enjoyed socializing with our friends. The restaurant has air conditioning in the bar, but it doesn’t do much good when the doors stay open so servers can move between the dining areas. Still, it was considerably more comfortable than sitting outside in today’s heat.

I’ve also adjusted my daily routine to accommodate the rising temperatures. I now exercise in the bedroom in the morning while the air conditioning keeps the room cool. Afterward, I shower and get dressed for the day.

Unfortunately, getting dressed for summer in Africa isn’t as simple as choosing the coolest clothes available. Mosquitoes and other insects seem particularly attracted to me, and their bites can make life miserable. Whenever I’ve applied repellent and worn clothing that exposes more skin, I end up covered in bites within minutes.

As a result, I wear jeans and sleeved shirts, even when the temperature is soaring. I choose lightweight tops with sleeves extending at least to my elbows, hoping to balance comfort with protection.

I only apply DEET repellent to exposed areas, including my neck, ankles, forearms, and hands. I don’t want to cover large areas of my skin with DEET repeatedly throughout the day. Even with clothing providing extra protection, I still have to reapply repellent three times a day to keep the insects at bay.

Wearing jeans and sleeves in this heat certainly isn’t comfortable. However, I’d much rather feel warm during the day than spend the night awake, scratching countless itchy bites.

For now, we are taking each day as it comes, staying as comfortable as possible, and hoping for some relief from these unusually high temperatures. We know summer in the African bush comes with challenges, including heat, insects, and eventually the snakes that emerge as the weather warms.

We wouldn’t trade our life here for anything, but on a day like today, we appreciate every little breeze, every shady spot, and especially the air conditioning that lets us sleep comfortably at night!

After all, TIA (This is Africa) and challenges are aplenty, but we love being here, nonetheless!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 17, 2016: