Postal carrier Gary Powell

RAIN OR SHINE OR HEAT WAVE – Local letter carrier Gary Powell is braving the triple-digit temperatures that have gripped the region during the heat wave. Powell says he drinks plenty of water and lemonade and he says that is the key to staying hydrated with soaring temperatures. “I don’t know how much I have drunk,” Powell said. “Each time I get back to my truck I turn my jug of water up and get a big drink. I do it each time all day long.” It will be 25 years of delivering the mail in September for Powell and he says he does not remember it being this hot for such a long period of time. “Over the years it has hit 100 (degrees) before, but I do not remember when it has been 103, 104, every day like it is going to be,” he said. “It has been few and far in between. In 25 years I have seen most every kind of weather West Tennessee has to offer, but this is about as hot it has ever gotten on me in 25 years.” Powell said Thursday was not too bad because the humidity was low, but on Friday he was already wetter from the sweat before noon than he was the day before when he talked to The Press. In order to keep the mail from getting soaked with sweat, he uses a towel across his arm and lets the mail rest on it while he is walking from mailbox to mailbox in Martin.

Photo by Randy Cavin

WCP 7.03.12