PEORIA, Ill. – The warm weather this week is not stopping people from enjoying their favorite outdoor activities.
A Heat Advisory runs until Thursday night across central Illinois as temperatures hit the mid-90’s, and the heat index could reach 110.
Bradley Wichael of Peoria says he plays tennis 2-3 times a week throughout the summer, and enjoyed a match with a friend at Glen Oak Park on Wednesday afternoon. He prepared for the hot temperatures that would blanket the area.
“Take my shirt off, that’s the main way, get a little more air flow there,” Wichael said. “And then also just drinking lots of water. I’ve been drinking water all throughout the day since I knew I was going to come out and play.”
Wichael says they also chose a court in the shade to try and avoid direct sunlight during their match.
A common way for people to beat the heat is to enjoy a sweet treat. Customers lined up for such delicacies at Emo’s in Peoria.
Manager Liana Garcia says the weather is bringing more people out for ice cream.
“Everyone comes out at night with their friends, during the day, like at lunch time, people come out with their families,” Garcia said.
Garcia says customers usually get some of the basics during the hot weather, which include shakes and ice cream with mix-ins.
The Peoria Chiefs have numerous ways to keep the players and fans cool during the hot nights at Dozer Park.
Director of Media and Baseball Operations Cody Schindler says trainers are helping players stay hydrated and cooled down tunnels. But he also notes that most of the players that come from warm weather areas, such as California, Texas, and the South, are used to it.
Schindler says the Chiefs have invested in fans for the fans this year to keep them cool during the games.
“They’re portable so we’ll wheel them out. They really just run off of water. So we’re going to fill them up before the ballgame, wheel them over, and that converts into the energy and the water that comes out and creates the cooling,” Schindler said.
Schindler says if a fan is feeling unwell during the game because the heat, ushers and medical staff will be available to help.
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