It Really Is Hotter: Lubbock’s Average Summer Temps Are Increasing

According to a recent Facebook post from our boy, meteorologist Ron Roberts, the average summer temperatures in Lubbock really are higher. You've probably already figured that out on your own by being outside for longer than five minutes or by taking a single, painful glance at your LP&L bill.

I literally cried when I got mine this month. My house is really average, and my bill is nearly $400.

What's causing the extra heat? Sure, global warming might be part of it, but what is more likely affecting Lubbock right now is urbanization. "Urban Heat Island" is the name of this phenomenon:

An urban heat island occurs when a city experiences much warmer temperatures than nearby rural areas. The difference in temperature between urban and less-developed rural areas has to do with how well the surfaces in each environment absorb and hold heat.

More pavement and more asphalt mean we are doing a great job of cooking ourselves, basically. This can be mitigated by planting more trees and having more green spaces, like parks.

I don't think anyone would complain about either, and I hope our city continues to invest in this beautiful and sensible solution. Otherwise, I'll just be crying into my LP&L bill some more.