Despite some rainfall on Wednesday, little relief has come to the area as temperatures rose again on Wednesday to 93 degrees following Tuesday's 96-degree heat.
To help people deal with and escape the heat, which has included 13 days of 90-degree temperatures or higher since late May, the Salvation Army, 270 Franklin St. S.E., Warren, is offering a cool-down center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Capt. Charles Coffelt said the cooling station will be open throughout the summer, with individuals given water and some snacks. Games and reading materials also are provided.
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Tribune Chronicle / Bob Coupland
Harper Sabatino, 7, of Niles, pours water on Amora Jackson, 6, of McDonald, on Wednesday at Woodland Park in McDonald.
"We just want to see individuals have the opportunity to stay cool and well hydrated. The Salvation Army will be a great place for individuals to go to who are homeless or do not have air-conditioning,'' Coffelt said.
A staff member said Wednesday there have been some people who have stopped in, but not a huge number.
Donations of water and snacks are welcomed to help those in need.
Dr. Christi Woods, director of emergency / trauma at St. Joseph Health Center, said there has been an increase in patients, mostly middle age and older adults, coming in because of the hot weather in the past month, mostly around July 4 when more people were outside for the holiday when temperatures stayed in the 90s for several days in a row the first week of the month.
''When the temperatures stay very hot for several days in a row is when we are more likely to begin seeing people,'' she said.
Woods said most people were checked, treated and released that day. She said many were dehydrated and needed to be cooled down. A few could not sweat which would help them cool off and were checked.
Woods advises people to avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks which can cause dehydration and for people with heart and lung conditions to be careful when going from 65 degree air conditioning to 95 degrees outside,
And while there was rainfall on Wednesday, it likely wasn't be enough to help the browned-colored lawns and the lowering lake levels.
Don Guthrie, meteorologist with WKBN-27, said since late May there have been 13 days when the mercury hit 90 degree or higher. July 7 was the hottest day, clocking in at 98 degrees.The month of July alone has had seven days at 90 or above.
Guthrie said thunderstorms are expected to bring cooler temperatures and much needed rain.
''The temperatures will not be as hot after the rain comes to the area,'' he said.
He said however the low 90 degrees are expected to return by early next week.
The NWS forecasted rain for Wednesday with temperatures to be in the upper 80s today with a 30 percent chance of rain. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. .
Guthrie said July is among the hottest months of the year with average temperatures at around 81 and 82 degrees.
''Right now it is toasty outside. If you are standing outside in 95 degree temperatures it will feel 15 to 20 degrees hotter in the sun,'' Guthrie said noting that when the heat index is high it becomes even hotter when someone is outside
The NWS officials said the heat advisory means the hot temperatures and high humidity combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
Heat index values were at 100 to 102 with concerns for residents having long exposure to the heat may cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke particularly the elderly or young.
As for the lawns, Guthrie said he hasn't cut his lawn in six weeks as most lawns are not as green as they were a few months ago.