Philadelphia region sweats through first heat wave of 2021

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's the first heat wave of 2021 for Philadelphia as temperatures have hit 90 degrees three days in a row.

"It is hotter than the devil out," said Brittany Seybert of Washington Square.

Larry Waddell and his family are recovering from temperature whiplash as Memorial Day weekend was one of the coldest on record for this time of year.

"It's absolutely ridiculous," said Waddell. "I had a fire in the fireplace last weekend and now we're basically sweating ourselves out."

At Joseph Mander Park in Strawberry Mansion, a group of toddlers laughed and danced when the spray park opened at 11 a.m.

Mustafa Frazier was at the park to work out and said it's all about staying hydrated.

As a heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Monday, people across the area are trying to keep cool.

"I'll be honest: I drink a lot more water," said Frazier.

In South Philadelphia, at 11th and Lombard inside Seger Park, there's not only a spray park but a dog park too.

Ben Wong rushed his kids over here Monday morning so they could cool off as a family.

"It's too hot at the playground; the metal is too hot. It's too hot to touch," said Wong.

On Monday evening, it seemed like the temperatures kept most exercisers at home at Cooper River Park, and what's usually a crowded path along Boathouse Row in Philadelphia.

But it didn't stop everyone.

Adam Hawkins of Logan Square said he loves running when's it's this hot.

"It's just a habit at this point. You have to trick yourself into doing it," said Hawkins.

The CDC provides tips to avoid heat exhaustion such as moving to a cool place and wearing loose clothing. It is important for everyone to always stay hydrated.

The city will not release its pool opening schedule until the end of the month. On Monday in Port Richmond, the city held lifeguard certification and training.

"Our goal is to open all of our outdoor pools, which includes 68 pools. But if we don't have the staff, I don't think all of them will be able to open up," said Thelma Nesbitt, who has led certification for the City for years.

The City of Philadelphia opened 94 of its "spraygrounds" last weekend.

LINK: Residents can find their closest spraygrounds here.

"I run through the sprinklers and one of my friends got popsicles, so I ate a popsicle," said Maxim Dauroe of Center City.

Action News found lines wrapping around water ice shops throughout the city.

"It's just fresh, delicious and homemade," said Carly Ross of Bella Vista.

With nearly all COVID-19 restrictions lifted in the city, restaurant owners welcome the warmer weather.

"Much better," said Mercy Mosquera, owner of Mixto in Washington Square West. "We are having a lot of clientele, doing very good. The weather is helping a lot so finally, I think we are going to do better than last year."

"The restrictions last year were horrific, but right now, it's wonderful because we can come out without the masks. We can be comfortable, and it's almost like the way that it was before so it's fantastic," said Matt Miller of Washington Square West.

And animal advocates say don't forget about your furry friends when the heat hits. They warn not to leave pets in a car and be on alert for signs of heat exhaustion.

"You really want to test the pavement, take them for shorter walks," said Sarah Barnett of ACCT Philly.