CSULB sizzles

Campus copes with scorching temperatures

By Jimmy Chai, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, September 2, 1998

For the fourth consecutive day, Long Beach has sizzled at 90 degrees and higher.

"We had some really hot days that are hotter than normal, but overall, this particular pattern is not unusual," said Richard Behl, Ph.D., department of geological sciences.

But now the moist air from the tropics with the usual high pressure from inland is creating moist compressed heat, said Behl.

"That is why it is so humid," Behl said.

And some Cal State Long Beach students are suffering.

"It's hot," said Shay Smith, waiting for class to start outside of the Peterson Hall Building 3.

With no air conditioning in the building, Shay said, it makes it hard to learn.

Manager of engineering services, Larry Brown said 28 of 78 buildings on campus are without air conditioning, which makes open doors and windows a necessity.

According to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, the heatwave does not show any signs of slowing down.

The NOAA website says the fall forecast is "warmer than normal temperatures for much of the Southwest."

With the prediction of an extended summer, the students can experience minor or major heat related symptoms.

Common symptoms of excess heat exposure are sunburn, faintness and weakness, said Rebecca Wills, M.D., chief physician at the Student Health Center. Dehydration and loss of significant body fluid are also a major concern.

"Adequate fluids, such as water ... using sunscreen ... staying out of the sun, especially at peak hours ... wearing a hat ... and not exercising outdoors can prevent heat related ailments," Wills said.

Although the weather patterns are not unusual, in the bigger picture, the world is experiencing major changes, says Behl.

"There is really good evidence of global warming," said Behl. "The last decade, the 1980s, was the warmest decade ever on record. The 1990s have been warmer still ... and 1997 was the warmest year ever in recorded history."

"You can't directly tie the weather we are having to global warming," Behl said, "but it is kind of a warning."