How To Ride Out The Heat Wave

An excessive heat warning continues for a second day in Northeast Ohio. 

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the mid-90s and dew points in the mid-70s will turn the region into a massive sauna through the weekend.

"We're looking at 105 to 110 as what it's actually going to feel like during the afternoon hours," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Christine Riley. "On Saturday we're looking at right around 105."

The city of Cleveland is keeping eight recreational centers open longer throughout the heat wave to provide air conditioning for those without it. Hours at the city's 57 outdoor pools and splash pads have been extended, too.  

"All our outdoor pools are open from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. all weekend," said Cleveland Public Works Director Michael Cox during a press briefing at the Michael Zone Recreation Center on Cleveland's West Side.  "We also have 20 spray basins we’re opening, and we’ll leave open through Monday. We have our indoor pools open this weekend except Sunday."

The Cleveland Division of Fire is offering a chance to get out of stifling houses and cool off with some free ice cream on Saturday. The first of four fire station summer ice cream socials kicks off at 11 a.m. on July 20 and runs until 3 p.m. at Cleveland Fire Station 10, 1935 East 101st Street, at the corner of 101st and Chester.

“Our Ice Cream Socials are a great chance for the community to meet Cleveland Firefighters in a non-emergency environment,” said Cleveland Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo. “Children can sit in the fire trucks, tour the stations and enjoy free hamburgers, hot dogs and some delicious ice cream.”

The city of Akron has also opened four cooling centers. They will stay open from 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., July 18 through July 20.

The best way to avoid getting sick due to the heat is to stay indoors.

For people like construction workers, hot dog vendors and others who must spend time outdoors, the National Weather Service suggests taking frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. It also recommends wearing light-weight, loose-fitting clothes and drinking plenty of water.

That was Maureen L'Engle's strategy, who offered her strategy for beating the heat as she walked downtown Cleveland's steamy streets Thursday.

"Definitely drink a lot of water. Definitely get in the shade. If you have like, maybe, cool wraps, wrap them around your neck, under your armpits, things like that.  But your water is your No. 1 resource," said L'Engle. She should know. She's a member of the Dundee Dragons Swim Club of Dundee, Michigan. 

Sarah Eubanks (left) and Maureen L'Engle are visiting Cleveland from Dundee, Mich., just in time to catch this week's heatwave. [Carolyn Bajzer / ideastream]

Cleveland is not alone under the heat dome. Dangerously hot weather is hitting most of the Central and Eastern U.S. Excessive heat warnings issued Thursday by the National Weather Service stretch from central Nebraska and Missouri, parts of West Virginia and 22 counties in Northeast Ohio. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a heat emergency Friday for the entire weekend, tweeting that he has signed an executive order requiring large buildings to conserve energy.