As weather heats up, stay hydrated
Lou WhitmireMARION - Lifeguard Reece Wolf said when the temperatures soar near 90 degrees, he tells swimmers to take a break in the shade and to drink water to prevent dehydration.
"Sometimes the water is cold, but today it feels good," he said early Tuesday as people of all ages packed the Marion Aquatic Center at Lincoln Park to stay cool.
Despite the storms that passed through the area Tuesday afternoon, more hot weather is expected for the rest of the week.
The National Weather Service at Marion Municipal Airport online forecast showed a chance of showers and thunderstorms for Wednesday afternoon. It's expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 87. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
On Thursday, showers and thunderstorms are likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.
Friday's weather shows it's going to be mostly sunny, with a high near 87 with a 30 percent chance of rain on Friday night.
On Saturday forecasters are predicting a high near 86 with a 50 percent chance of rain for Marion.
Several upcoming events are counting on nice weather in Marion this weekend.
The Relay for Life of Marion County will be Friday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at River Valley High School. The public is invited to stop out and support cancer survivors at the fundraiser.
Saturday is Marion Day and the official kickoff of the Harding 2020 Fundraising Campaign, which begins with a free program, "All About the Harding Memorial," at 10:30 a.m. at the Harding Memorial, at Delaware Avenue and Vernon Heights Boulevard. Then visitors may tour the Harding Home free of charge between noon and 5 p.m. Saturday. (Usual admission is $7.)
The event will allow visitors a chance to meet the architects and restoration experts leading the Harding 20/20 project.
Tuesday, the hot weather didn't deter pavers, tree trimmers or mowers working outside in the city.
Outside the Harding Memorial, a man rode a riding mower midday; and across town at the Women's Club Home on East Center Street, a tree-cutting company cut up a large tree laying on the front yard.
Not far from the tree cutters on East Center Street, the Jer-Zee Drive-In Ice Cream Shop was busy.
"Sometimes it's too hot and people don't come out," said Barb Pine, the Jer-Zee owner. "Today and yesterday was pretty good," she said of the customers seeking ice cream and slushes.
At the Marion Fire Department, fire Chief Paul Glosser said he discussed the heat index with firefighters Tuesday morning at their meeting.
"We can only stay inside the heavy coat for a 10-15 minute window if we're working hard," he said. "Then we have to take the gear off because the core temperature rises."
He said it's a concern for any firefighter when the weather gets hot.
"The blood thickens and it's an added risk. People can have heart attacks," he said.
"They can stay ahead of the curve if they stay hydrated," Glosser, a firefighter for 21 years, said.
Fortunately as of about 3 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters had not had a fire.
lwhitmir@nncogannett.com
419-521-7223
Twitter: @LWhitmir