Seasons of Setting: Adapting Concrete Work to Amarillo’s Climate
Seasons are a vital part of setting. They can reveal a lot about your character and influence how your story unfolds. You can drop hints that a certain season is happening, or you can tell your readers straight out.
Climate change is increasing inland flooding risk by causing extreme precipitation events. Learn more about this risk here.
Winter
While folks visiting from more northern states may be amused at claims of Amarillo being cold, the truth is that this area has a relatively mild winter climate. Light snowfall is not uncommon, but it normally melts within a day and significant blizzards are rare.
This region is also susceptible to Atlantic hurricanes during the summer. While these storms usually do not cause major damage, they can cause severe weather disruptions.
While outdoor concrete work can be done year-round in this region, it is typically performed in the spring and fall. These seasons provide the best overall conditions for concrete construction. for more: amarillotxconcretecontractors.com
Spring
As soon as the winter melts, new life comes alive, and fields need to be worked. For characters who live off the land, this can be a very important season for them. If your story takes place in an agrarian society, there are lots of things to consider like spring breaks, cherry blossom festivals, religious traditions, and schools nearing their end.
Concrete contractors can work more efficiently and accurately during the warmer months because the weather is usually less humid. Spring also allows for better control of the curing process, which can result in a stronger finished product. It’s a great time for surface finishing too, which can yield a more defined, more vibrantly colored stamped or colored concrete.
Remember, when thinking about seasons, it’s essential to take into account WHERE your story is taking place. A winter in Eastern Finland will be very different than one in the Middle East, and a heatwave in Adelaide will be very different from a cold snap in Aberdeen.
Summer
Summer is the season for lying in a hammock sipping iced tea or a seasonal beer, soaking up a cool breeze, and staring up at tree limbs gently swaying in the wind. It’s also the season for blockbuster movies, reading books and magazines, and attending outdoor festivals. Daylight is long, and dinners move later, while bedtimes stretch until the sun streams through windows.
While hot-weather conditions may present a risk for concrete, there are several preventive measures and best practices that can be implemented. For example, using a combination cure and seal product late in the season will enhance durability, resistance to deicing salts, and long-term aesthetics.
According to AQI data, Downtown Amarillo has a moderate heat risk. This means that on average, the city will experience 7 days this year with a “feels like” temperature above 97oF. Temperatures this high can be physically hazardous for some people, especially those who are vulnerable to health issues like asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Fall
When the air cools in autumn, the leaves start to change color and fall. During this time, birds migrate to their winter habitats. Then there are the rains—fall rains tend to be much colder than summer rains and can leave you shivering.
Concrete works best in the cooler temperatures of the season. When it’s too hot, the concrete can overheat and break down. But when it’s too cold, the concrete can crack and freeze. Fall is the perfect temperature for pouring concrete, and it’s not uncommon to see projects getting done during this time.
In addition to cold weather, the autumn season can bring wildfires and smoke. As wildfires burn, they produce particulate matter that can travel miles into urban areas and negatively affect air quality. Downtown Amarillo is expected to experience poor air quality days based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) this year and in 30 years. This pollution can cause or worsen heart and lung disease, increase the risk of premature birth and shorten lives.