Heat Wave Torches the ASP

By JOSH PERREAULT


From Monday, July 5 to Friday, July 9, the entire Advanced Studies Program (ASP) community combated a miserable heat wave that tied records in Concord and all around the state of New Hampshire.

Members of the Ecology class escape the heat by working in the shade.

High temperatures are usually a nice aspect of the summer season in the Granite State, balancing out the harsh winter temperatures the state sees annually. This year, however, the heat has resulted in ludicrous extremes throughout most of the state, as the temperature has only occasionally dipped below 90°F and has reached as high as 99°F, as it did on July 6 in Concord, tying a record set in 1911. With the humidity levels varying between a slightly uncomfortable 70% to a stifling 86%, the heat wave has hit the ASP particularly hard, making saunas out of most buildings without air conditioning.

“It felt like I was wilting,” said Caitlyn Brooks of Wing House. “It was difficult to concentrate in class, and it was hard to sleep. I took lots of naps.”

Lauren Jones, also a resident in Wing House resident, explained her coping method. “We put our fans directly on our faces to stay cool,” said Ms. Jones.

Mr. Tyler Ash of Manville House found this approach essential as well. “Without a fan you were out of luck,” said Mr. Ash.

The effects of the heat wave were not contained within the buildings of the ASP community, though, as they rippled throughout the entire community. Sports were shortened due to the intense heat, and the American Red Cross Blood Drive also ended sooner than intended. Fans were present across campus, and students were supplied water bottles and plenty of opportunities to rehydrate themselves. All in all, the response was quick and helpful to students and faculty alike. ASP Athletic Director Michele “Mish” Rogers made it clear that, in the summer, “weather is (her) nemesis.”

“We don’t know kids’ heat tolerances, so I instructed interns to give a lot of water breaks and to try to minimize heat exposure,” said Ms. Rogers.

There were a few “episodes” during house sports involving heat, so when weather of this magnitude came along, shortening activities was almost a no-brainer.

“I won’t put anybody at risk,” said Ms. Rogers. Both Ms. Rogers and ASP Director Michael Ricard’s efforts helped prevent the issue from becoming too severe.

“Just as with a thunderstorm or a winter snowstorm, (the heat) was just a general weather concern,” said Mr. Ricard.

Mr. Ricard said that his main concern was that students stay hydrated. The heat in individual classrooms was not as big of a concern considering that classes are held earlier in the day, when it is normally cooler.

When asked if he tried to plan ahead for the heat wave, Mr. Ricard said, “I definitely looked [at the forecast]. I’m always looking ahead. Our focus now is mostly on how warm it will get and the low for the night, when everyone is trying to get a good night’s sleep.”

Many students have rushed to spend time in the buildings that have air conditioning, such as Ohrstrom Library and the Athletic and Fitness Center, just to gain a bit of relief. Classrooms, student residences, and important gathering spots such as Memorial Hall and the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul are not climate controlled, leaving some community members asking why.

“The idea has been kicked around, not specifically to ASP but for St. Paul’s as a whole,” said Mr. Ricard. “The new science building, which should be ready by the summer of 2012, will be climate controlled. We’ll try to have as many classes in there as possible, math, science, or otherwise.”

The days following the vicious heat wave have been much cooler. Students and faculty alike can only hope that the comfortable temperatures continue as the Advanced Studies Program moves into its final days.