Despite heated forecast, locals keep their cool in Philadelphia
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- The city of Philadelphia is in a Code Red until further notice, encouraging residents to find air conditioning or shade, and to stay hydrated.
We found plenty of people who are beating the heat Friday, and bracing themselves for the days to come.
On a hot day like this, there's nowhere else two 2-year-olds would rather be playing.
"Cold!" exclaimed Cayden Burke of West Mount Airy when we asked her how the water felt.
The chilly water at Sister Cities Park in Center City was just the ticket on this sizzling day, and as the temperatures are expected to heat up over the next week, moms are thinking about how to keep their little ones cool.
"Lots of water parks, going to the pool and staying inside in the air conditioning," said Hilary Stiebel of Wilmington, Delaware.
"We just romp around, and try to hit the city parks. We're in the Wissahickon a lot. Just trying to stay cool," said Beth Burke of West Mount Airy.
Many who were outside found respite in the shade, or with a nice cold bottle of water. But most would not choose to wear a 50-pound backpack as they walk around the city. That's exactly one man's job.
"It's been pretty brutal. But you take breaks and you do a little section at a time," said Gint Stirbys, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Stirbys uses Google technology to map the city's parks and trails. All of them. By foot.
"I work with a partner. He's watching the car right now, getting some iced coffee. But we take turns wearing it so we never have this on for too long," said Stirbys.
While there were plenty of people who took their lunch breaks outside.
"I love the heat," said Clarence Collins of North Philadelphia, who reiterated his statement when we asked for clarification.
There's a breaking point for everyone.
Kevin Small of North Philadelphia tells us he won't be coming outside for lunch on Monday.
The city also says additional outreach teams will be out during the next week, helping the homeless. It also has a heat plan in place for the Democratic National Convention to help make sure visitors and protesters are safe and hydrated.
