FLORENCE, Ky. – Parts of the state, including northern Kentucky, will experience above average temperatures this weekend.
Spectrum News 1 found out what strategies are working best for people to cool themselves down.
The first stop was the Florence Family Aquatic Center, which is back open for the second summer in a row after being closed for two summers because of the pandemic. It also came close to being shut down for good.
A lot of people who were swimming at the pool on Friday were glad that didn’t happen, especially with the sun beating down.
“Trying to cool off. It’s a pretty hot day outside,” said Jackson Askins. “Each day you get to come here and try to do new things, or just practice tricks if you want. Maybe sometimes you just want to chill on the lazy river, even the water slide for a quick adrenaline rush.”
Danielle Marshall likes to bring her young daughter.
“Actually, we love it. I don’t know what we would do without the aquatic center,” she said. “Usually it’s like one to two days a week is fine. Now she’s like, can we come every day next week? And maybe the following week?”
Marshall might be one of the few people who would actually prefer to turn the heat up a few notches.
“I was hoping it was gonna be as hot as it said it was gonna be today, and sunny, because then I would actually be in the pool right now and not standing outside of it,” she said.
The pool is nice and all, but after drying off, people are often in search of something that will continue to cool them down, but also taste amazing.
For that, one option is Fillmore’s Dairy Hut, where it’s been a busy summer so far for new employee Callie Lewis.
“All the time, people order ice cream. They’ll get a milkshake, anything really that will keep you cool this summer,” Lewis said. “Kids, couples, it’s just really nice to see all kinds of people come in and enjoy a sweet treat on a hot day.”
If the ice cream and the pool don’t do the trick, some alternatives were suggested.
“I like to do water balloon fights and water gun fights and stuff,” said Makayla Kauffung.
Lewis suggested, “just stay in the shade, and just try to avoid the sun and the heat as much as possible.”
If, after all that, someone is still hot, the best option might be to stay at home and take advantage of the air condition and a nice fan, if possible.
Duke Energy is trying to make it possible for more people this summer. The Duke Energy Foundation is donating $50,000 to 10 local counties, including five in Kentucky.
The money will help purchase and distribute fans for heat relief to elderly and low-income customers.