Heat Advisory: Michigan Highs Push Past 100
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit/AP) - UPDATE: The Heat Advisory has been canceled.
Michigan's temperatures reached Arizona-like levels Thursday, with 100-degree-plus readings across a wide area of the state's Lower Peninsula.
The National Weather Service says that by 5 p.m., Ypsilanti's high temperature had reached 105 degrees. The weather service reported the readings in Adrian and Hillsdale hit 102 degrees, while 100-degree readings were reported at Ann Arbor, Coldwater, Marshall, Mason and Troy.
CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus said the heat index will reach even higher and, when you factor in the humidity, it will feel as hot as 105 -- even if it's not quite there.
The forecast is for more extreme heat for parts of Michigan through Saturday. A heat advisory is in effect.
An advisory means heat illnesses are possible so people should drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Madaus says children, seniors and those with conditions such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
-- HOT WEATHER HEALTH TIPS -- COOLING CENTERS --
Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. People are advised to check on older relatives and neighbors. (More on the Heat Advisory here).
At a construction site in Berkley, WWJ Newsradio 950's Beth Fisher spoke with construction workers out on the job despite the heat.
Dan Rule was using a pickax to remove brick pavers at the intersection of 12 Mile Road and Coolidge.
He's seen worse in his 26 year on the job, once working when it was 107 degrees, he said, but ... "It's pretty warm ... yeah, it's hot," said Rule.
Rule and his coworker Everett Cottrell said drinking plenty of water is the key. By mid-afternoon, Cottrell said he'd had about 8 bottles.
Meantime, at the nearby at the Sunoco gas station, cooler and freezer items were obviously becoming more popular, according to Manager Sam Gulli, who listed his top sellers:
"First choice would be your bottle of water, your Gator Aids, bags of ice, sodas, fruit slushes," Gulli said.
A couple thousand people spent the day cooling off at Red Oaks Water Park in Madison Heights.
Fisher spoke with 12-year-old Abraham Bitar, who was enjoying the wave pool. "It's crazy ... I mean I think that this is the hottest day we've had since like school ended and summer's begin ... Who wouldn't be here?"
Looking a bit further ahead, Madaus said Metro Detroiters can expect July 4th, Independence Day, to be a toasty one, with a high around 90 degrees with a chance of rain.
For the latest forecast, keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. To check the local radar anytime or get further forecast details on our weather page.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
