Metro Area Swelters Under Excessive Heat

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In Minnesota, the heat is bittersweet. It's a welcome break from the winter season, but the dog days of summer can also be dangerous.

In the twin cities, St. Paul is extending hours at recreation centers and libraries to help people stay cool.

Parents like Adrianne Garcia say it's a nice alternative to the warm temperatures.

"We are really happy to be inside, because they don't know when to stop themselves from running outside," she said. "They can expend energy here instead of getting overheated outside."

On a hot summer day, there are others who prefer to be outside and stay cool at the same time.

"We have to be in water. It's just too hot. We tried a playground before this, it was just too hot," Wendy Rucinski said.

The excessive heat warning is in place through Friday. One or two towns could hit 100 degrees, but the bigger impact is the humidity.

Experts say you should avoid spending a lot of time outside but, if you do, stay hydrated and find a shaded area to stay cool.

You could also take a page from their playbook: pack on the sunscreen and soak it up.