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'It's Scorching': Families Flock to Pools, Seek Shade During Southeast Heat Wave

WFMY News 2 spoke with an experienced outdoorsman about hot weather safety.
Credit: WFMY
Families are seeking shade during a Memorial Day weekend heat wave.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Under partly cloudy skies and hot temperatures, the pool at Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro was crowded with families on Saturday, while others hiked trails, went fishing, and cooked out under pavilions.

A heat wave continues to wash over the Triad and U.S. Southeast, with WFMY meteorologists projecting high temperatures around the 90's to continue throughout the week. 

"It is extremely hot, like desert hot, but we have a breeze, so thank god for that," said Kitteria Mayo, who was gathering with family and friends for a cookout after swimming in the pool.

"We are staying in the water as much as possible, and drinking plenty of water," said Mayo. "It's too hot for me. It's scorching. Thanks god for pools."

Greensboro resident Sam Funchess said he didn't mind the heat as much. He hiked 11 miles and kayaked 8 miles on Saturday.

"It was incredible. Would you rather be stuck in 69-degree air conditioning with controlled air, or out here having fun breathing fresh air?" said Funchess.

To stay safe in the heart, Funchess said he packed two liters of water, aloe drinks, a special towel to cool off, and a first aid kit.

"Just be prepared, be smart, travel with friends if you have some, but get exercise, otherwise we are going to grow older faster than we need to," said Funchess.

Beat the heat with these tips

WFMY News 2 spoke with Rob Arends, Manager of Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Greensboro, about heat safety recommendations.

"Outdoors is outdoors: You could be mowing the yard, or actually out on a day hike or whatever. But the heat is going to get you either way," said Arends.

Tip 1: Hydration 

"Number one is be hydrated," said Arends. "Hydration allows you to perspire, and perspiring is actually what is going to cool down your core."

More than 600 people die every year in the U.S. from extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

When working in the heat, the CDC recommends drinking one cup of water every 15 minutes. Drinking at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts less frequently.

Tip 2: Cool clothing

Clothing made out of synthetic material is better that cotton during hot and humid conditions, said Arends.

"If you wear cotton T-shirts while you're mowing the yard, and you sweat it out and it gets matted down, you're actually clogging pores," said Arends. "Where you should be sweating, you're no longer sweating or perspiring correctly, and it can start to overheat internally."

Opt for a wide-brimmed hat to protect all sides of your head from the sun, with a dark under-brim and ventilation on the top, said Arends.

"Wear sunglasses. The squinting can lead towards headaches quicker," said Arends.

Tip 3: Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before you go outside, the CDC recommends.

Remember to apply to the back of your hands, arms, neck, ears, and face, said Arends.

Tip 4: Avoid the sun's direct rays

"If you're setting up to have a picnic... and you've got shade ten feet away, obviously sit in the shade and not the sunlight," said Arends.

Arends also recommends going outside when the sun is less intense before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

The CDC offers other guidelines to stay cooling during extreme heat:

  • Stay in the air-conditioning as much as possible.
  • Do not rely on fans as your only way to stay cool.
  • Do not use the stove or oven to cook, because it will make your home hotter.
  • Wear loose, light-fitting clothing.
  • Take a cool shower or bath to cool off.
  • Never leave children or pets in hot cars.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration.

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