If we simply ignore the high temperatures baking Central Missouri, will they feel unwanted and go away?
The forecast indicates no respite in the coming week. The seven-day forecast predicts daytime temperatures in the high 90s, with an excessive heat warning through Saturday.
Heat-wave headlines are nothing new, and the case can be made that previous generations endured sweltering summers in the absence of modern air-conditioning in business, homes and vehicles.
But extended periods of high temperatures can take a toll.
The physical dangers of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are welldocumented. Soaring temperatures in Missouri have been blamed for two confirmed deaths, nine suspected fatalities and more than 600 emergency room visits.
Prolonged heat also can affect our attitudes and actions.
Cole County Sheriff Greg White sees a correlation between heat waves and incidents of domestic violence.
"Whenever extended weather extremes - heat, cold, rain - put people in close proximity for a long time, people get "cabin fever' and we see more cases of domestic violence," the sheriff reported.
Jefferson City Police Chief Roger Schroeder said, statistically, crime increases in summer, but he attributed much of the increase to people gathering outdoors rather than remaining at home.
"In summer, people get out and interact more and - when there's alcohol consumption - we see more disturbances and fights," the chief said.
A commentary published in Monday's edition quoted Texas psychologist Dr. Richard Patterson, who observed: "I think the main psychological thing that happens to us with (heat) is a feeling of powerlessness. There's not a blessed thing you can do about it."
Perhaps all we can do is acknowledge the debilitating and aggravating influences of prolonged high temperatures associated with Central Missouri summers. And do our best to remain cool - physically, mentally and emotionally.