The long hot summer knife.

I took a random quiz once to determine if I should move to Texas if Texit becomes the new Brexit.

Apparently 97% of the questions make me Texan, but when I saw the last question was "What do you call a 95 degree day?" and the answer was "April?"...

... no sir. I do not need any of that.
 
In Phoenix, before the monsoon starts sometime in late June or early July, I've often sat outside for lunch, in the shade with a breeze, and it was comfortable for an hour or so, with the temp at 105° F and a relative humidity of 3%. That RH value is correct; the dew point was 29° F, and cold soda cans don't get wet on the outside. That's dry.

At the end of an hour, yeah, you're glad to go into air conditioning, but the time outside is pleasant enough.

There's no question that a high relative humidity is just plain awful. In weather prediction data, the thing to keep an eye on is the dew point temperature. As that rises above 60° F, you're heading for discomfort.

And (to restore threadness here) — high humidity is bad, bad, bad for (carbon) knives! They'll rust like crazy in your pocket.
 
Yes, Carl, I certainly do remember those hot Virginia summers! The humidity was unbearable. However, I'm come to see that there is humidity here as well, just not as bad. Often I'll look at my phone's weather app and see that it's maybe 95 degrees and 60% humidity. This is why people from the El Paso think it's awful in Austin. It's not a dry desert heat. Although, its much better here than in Houston! Ugh. Houston is just too much during the summer. I really miss living in northern Virginia. I think I've been away so long that I've sort of romanticized it. I definitely miss the seasons there, especially autumn. And the rain. Though we've had quite a bit of rain here in the past couple of months! Not complaining! Carl, have you visited nearby Lockhart or Bastrop? Just a stone's throw from Austin. They are places known for excellent BBQ and are not to be missed! I can't help you much with Chinese. I eat it somewhat often but haven't found a really awesome Chinese place. Just so-so takeout places. Mandola's is worth a visit for Italian. There are several locations in the area. Also, Asti in Hyde Park (north central Austin) is pretty awesome Italian (and a touch pricey). See if you can get look up the Austin Chronicle online (sort of like our Village Voice). They might have a link to their yearly "Best Of" poll. Every year they poll for basically the best of anything and everything in the Austin area. Might be worth a look to check on Chinese and Italian places. Now that I'm in my 40s, I often content myself with easy, simple foods. I am not a high maintenance gal anymore. Heck, I'm thrilled to have breakfast at the Waffle House and dinner at a local, family-owned Tex-Mex place! I have become quite casual and laid-back since moving here. By the way, today will be another scorcher, so I am carrying a Victorinox Pioneer and a Buck 309 (plus the Minichamp on my keys).
 
A friend of mine worked in Texas. One ungodly blisteringly hot day, hotter than normal for you folks, he said he smelled something, and saw that the soles of his shoes were literally melting as he stood waiting for the bus.

I did not ask him if he had a knife, probably not something a lawyer/paralegal would take to the courthouse ;).
 
In Phoenix, before the monsoon starts sometime in late June or early July, I've often sat outside for lunch, in the shade with a breeze, and it was comfortable for an hour or so, with the temp at 105° F and a relative humidity of 3%. That RH value is correct; the dew point was 29° F, and cold soda cans don't get wet on the outside. That's dry.

At the end of an hour, yeah, you're glad to go into air conditioning, but the time outside is pleasant enough.

There's no question that a high relative humidity is just plain awful. In weather prediction data, the thing to keep an eye on is the dew point temperature. As that rises above 60° F, you're heading for discomfort.

And (to restore threadness here) — high humidity is bad, bad, bad for (carbon) knives! They'll rust like crazy in your pocket.

Having lived in the Phoenix area for about 5 years now, I will say that the "dry heat" does make a difference when the temps are in the 90s, or even slightly over 100. But when it starts hitting 110, 115, 120 :eek:... I don't care how dry it is, it's just hot.

The climate here is very kind to carbon knives, though. :thumbup:
 
I'm a recent transplant to Southwestern Virginia (Coal Country). It tickles me when all the locals are whining about the heat when the temperature gets above 90.

Coming from the seventh circle of hell (midlands of SC), a 90 degree day in July with humidity in the 30s is one fine summer day.

I miss SC but so not miss 110 degree temperatures with humidity in the 80s and 90s.
 
Having lived in the Phoenix area for about 5 years now, I will say that the "dry heat" does make a difference when the temps are in the 90s, or even slightly over 100. But when it starts hitting 110, 115, 120 :eek:... I don't care how dry it is, it's just hot.

The climate here is very kind to carbon knives, though. :thumbup:

Hear you. I'm headed there this weekend for work. I notice the dew point will be up around 50° F — not monsoon yet, but approaching...
 
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