Extreme heat: Milwaukeeans battle, look for ways to beat it

MILWAUKEE - Extreme heat blanketed southeast Wisconsin on Wednesday, Aug. 23. During a heat wave, water is essential. So when some people in Milwaukee discovered their water had been turned off, they called FOX6 News.

Cornelia Britton's apartment on W. Silver Spring Drive got a notice from Milwaukee Water Works. Their water was shut off. 

"I’m an asthmatic, so it’s very important for me to drink water during the day," Britton said. 

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Leterell Ford is another tenant. 

"I’m angry not only for me but for my grandkids, because young kids need water and they get dehydrated real quick," Ford said. 

Milwaukee Water Works told FOX6 News the water was turned off for a planned water main replacement project. But a spokesperson said MWW is not happy with the private contractor's decision to shut it off on a dangerously hot day – instead of rescheduling. 

"It's concerning to me, yes," Britton said. 

Health experts said, when the temperatures soar like this, it is not a day to take risks – especially if you are not properly hydrating. 

"By the time you're feeling dry and thirsty, it’s kind of too late – you're already starting to get a little bit dehydrated," said Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County's chief health policy advisor.

Staying cool

Anyone who stepped outside Wednesday felt it: hot, sticky and uncomfortable.

The swampy air had people searching for a break, and many did what they could to not let the heat get the best of them.

"I felt like I was walking in an oven," said Garner Werntz.

Atwater Beach in Shorewood provided a natural cool down for those without air conditioning.

"As soon as 3 o'clock hits I was on my way to the beach basically," said Jenna Banhoogstrate. "It feels really nice to at least get in and be relaxed a little bit. Take a break from this heat."

On the hottest day of the year, with a heat index above 110 degrees, Pete's Pops stayed busy in Whitefish Bay.

"I was just in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, and it feels like I’m back in New Orleans today, swampy," said April Cleveland.

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Cleveland and others enjoyed a little break out of the son in a delicious way.

"Sitting down on this concrete floor is nice and cool and in the shade. It’s a nice relief," she said.

Louise Mackenzie took advantage of the heat by selling snow cones.

"That’s what we do we help them stay cool," Mackenzie said. "It’s so hot and these are the perfect fix snack for this type of weather, it cools you right now."

Dip in the pool

Tangie Langham said, with no air conditioning in her home and MPS closed, their way of staying cool was hanging out at the Schulz Aquatic Park in Milwaukee. 

"We are staying cool by drinking water and at the park," Langham said. "Enjoying ourselves, getting wet, and looking cute while doing it."

There was no shortage of people plunging into the hottest day of the year there.

"It feels like it’s a whole desert. It’s the desert, but it feels good when you get in the water," said Alaiah Short.

People tried to make the most of it knowing the heat won't last.

"I love days like this. They’re so short-lived, it goes away," said Kasey Boknevitz. "Before you know, we’ll be in layers."

Schulz Aquatic Park stayed open for a night swim and will be open later again Thursday. People are ready for the big cool down that is headed our way.