Excessive Heat Warning Causes Late Summer Pool Rush
Meteorologists declared an excessive heat warning through Wednesday night as temperatures soared into the upper 90s in the Twin Cities metro Tuesday afternoon.
Many families sought out area pools like Elm Creek Swim Pond in Maple Grove to beat the heat.
Lifeguard Grace Ritten was on duty. She says she’s no stranger to hot days.
“When it is fully guarded and we have to be out in the sun, it is sometimes brutal,” Ritten said. “Very hot!”
Even in late August, families are still flocking to sit poolside.
Crystal Smith brought her two young kids to Elm Creek Tuesday afternoon.
“Basically the only thing to do when it’s this hot is go swim.” Smith said.
Mom Crystal Smith sits with her two kids at the Elm Creek Swimming Pond. Smith and other families took to the pool as the region faces an excessive heat warning.
Warmer Than Usual
This week’s heat wave isn’t typical.
Data from the NOAA shows that the normal average temperature in August is just over 72 degrees. That’s a far cry from the upper 90s Minnesotans experienced Tuesday.
“It is very humid and sticky, so parks are like, a no-go for us,” Smith said.
Those at Elm Creek looked on the bright side.
“It’s fun,” Smith said. “I love that summer is elongating itself.”
Mom Jen Pace had a similar outlook as she lounged on the beach with her family.
“School starts in less than two weeks, so just trying to soak up some mom-daughter time, and fun time making memories,” Pace said.
It offers some quality time in the sun before Minnesota gets hit with the opposite.
“I love it! I wish it would last a little bit longer, but we need to enjoy it while we can,” Pace said. “It could snow eight inches tomorrow!”
Area pools are not the only options to keep families cool.
There are cooling shelters available throughout Hennepin County with multiple choices available in some cities. A map of those options can be found on the county’s website.
County representatives also recommend checking on your loved ones, particularly those who are in vulnerable populations.
The Salvation Army also opened its service centers to keep people cool. Salvation Army Noble in Brooklyn Park is one of those, located at 1011 Noble Parkway. More locations and information regarding Salvation Army’s cooling shelters are available on its website.
