This summer’s heat and humidity in New York City have been seemingly never-ending. I believe we’ve already topped the record for 90 degree days in any year and it’s only the first full week in August. Today, mercifully, the temperature is in the 70’s after the deluge of rain fell yesterday afternoon and last night. It’s been pretty dreadful. Climate change only promises more of the same, if not worse.

You walk on the street and people look miserable. If it weren’t for decency laws, people would be wearing underwear–although it’s possible some are, and you can’t be sure. Big water bottles hang down on wrists or 16 oz. plastic ones are stuffed into back pockets.

Luckily, the city has air conditioned subways (and buses). Waiting in an un-air-conditioned subway station, you count the seconds until an air-conditioned subway car comes rolling through. Note to any visitors to NYC reading this: don’t get into an empty subway car on a ridiculously hot day. It’s likely to not be air conditioned. New Yorkers will race to the adjoining cars to escape ones that are brutally hot.

So try to wear cotton, bring along a water bottle that’s preferably been refrigerated, and stay in the shade as much as possible. And may you always get an air-conditioned subway car.