Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 34: Summer 2024

Sly and the Family Stone’s song, “Hot Fun in the Summertime” came out in August of 1969. NOAA data records show that the average temperature for that month in NC was 83.6. Already this year – and as I write this, we’re 10 days away from official summer – we’ve already had several days at or above 90. Hot fun, indeed.

At least here on the Outer Banks we always have wind, and the surrounding waters keep us cooler in early summer than most of the rest of the state. Still, I’ve heard many a local exclaim recently that we’re in for a super hot one this year.

That’s music to the ears for many of you reading this. You’ve probably come here to spend a lot of your time swimming in that wondrous ocean or playing in the sound. Even just sitting by the water with your toes in the surf break is a perfect activity for you hot weather lovers.

Another preferred hot summer activity is fishing off one of our Outer Banks piers. Our feature story gives you the history of these long-legged structures and how you can become a part of the current-day fish stories. And if fishing isn’t your thing, several piers are now at the epicenter of sunny day entertainment and dining (and, perhaps, imbibing in a cold beverage or two). Again, you probably won’t find a windier spot on the Outer Banks than a seat on a pier – it’ll blow the hot right off you.

Any local knows what I’m about to tell you, but for safety's sake it’s worth noting here. Hot weather demands some precautions. Stay hydrated with something other than alcohol (alcohol dehydrates you, affecting your kidneys especially). Make sure you have foot coverings since that sand becomes boiling hot especially from noon to 4 p.m. Apply then reapply an spf of at least 30. Swimming and sweating washes it off. Always sit as near to a lifeguard as possible; that ocean can be rough, especially for young ones and people who aren’t seasoned ocean swimmers. If red flags are flying, please don’t get into the water. Use a well-secured umbrella so you can get out of the direct sunlight periodically.

We’re glad you’re adding to our Outer Banks culture, and we want your experience of the summer of '24 to be safe and add to happy memories. And, by the way, for those of you for whom these 90 degree days are not music (guess who’s right there with you!), as of today, it’s only 102 days until fall.

But until then, go on out there and find some hot fun in the summertime for yourself.

Beth

VIEW A DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS ISSUE