As heat wave hits, Indianapolis residents work to stay cool

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Central Indiana and Indianapolis. Experts say as temperatures rise throughout the week, so does the risk of heat-related illness.

Sam Lashley is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. He said when it feels like 105 degrees outside heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can happen quickly.

“Once you feel like you're overheating it’s really almost too late,” he said.

Lashley advised people who plan to be outside to drink plenty of water, find shade or air conditioning, and to take frequent breaks.

Downtown Tuesday, local residents were making plans for how to handle the upcoming heatwave.

Resident Bashiri Asad will be outside much of the week for work. He has created his own system for working when it’s hot, which includes staying in the shade with his fan.

“The trick is to beat it as best you can,” he said. “Staying hydrated, having a fan back here, being efficient with your time out here, makes sense.”

Resident Deborah Shoulders sat in the shade around Monument Circle. She plans to avoid the heat as much as possible these next few days.

“I try not to be in the heat at all,” she said.

Due to the excessive heat warning, Indy Parks has canceled its summer concerts for Wednesday and Thursday at Garfield Park, Riverside Park, and Eagle Creek Park.

Outdoor pools are largely closed across the city since the school year has started.

Alex Cortwright is the chief communications officer with Indy Parks. He said family centers are an important option for people who need to cool off.

“We want to make sure folks are safe,” he said. “Check in on your neighbors and if you can provide any help to them make sure they are doing ok especially kids and seniors are really the most at risk for heat-related illness.”

The excessive heat warning will carry through to Thursday evening.

Residents without air conditioning that need to cool off are encouraged to visit cooling centers across the city. You can find out more about the closest cooling centers by visiting indy.gov.