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SCARSDALE, N.Y. The heat wave that blanketed most of the county with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees sent Scarsdale residents scurrying to the municipal pool Wednesday for some relief.
With many children enjoying a half-day off from school, several hundred people packed the pool complex on Mamaroneck Road to cool off. Pool Manager Kathy Laoutaris said recreation workers expect that number to stay consistent through the weekend as temperatures continue to hover near 100 degrees.
We have a lot here right now. Kids havent gone to sleep-away camps and the local programs havent started up yet, she said. This is the crowd we would normally get on a hot weekend, but we sometimes have more than 1,000 people here.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures topped out near 99 degrees Wednesday, with a heat index value as high as 104 degrees. The temperature was expected to dip to the mid-70s Wednesday night and rise back to around 98 degrees Thursday.
With the oppressive temperatures, the Scarsdale Pool Complex has become one of the most popular summer spots for residents.
We have ample shade, cool water and a concession stand. You can come here in the morning, have a full day and then leave at night when we close, Laoutaris said. As opposed to being trapped inside the house, kids can come here and parents can let them expend some of their energy.
According to John Goodwin, assistant to the Scarsdale Village Manager, the village has no plan to set up cooling centers for the masses.
The Scarsdale Fire Department reported that, as of Wednesday afternoon, it had not responded to any heat-related calls. In an effort to assist customers, Con Edison sent out a press release offering energy-saving recommendations about ways to stay cool.
Laoutaris offered basic advice for residents about staying healthy in the wake of the heat advisory that was issued by the Westchester County Health Department for Wednesday and Thursday.
Primarily, just make sure to drink enough water. Hydration is the key, she said. The elderly and infants should not go into the heat; they should stay indoors in air conditioning.
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