Tips for keeping cool in the heat without breaking the bank
RICHFIELD, Minn. — The hot weather means a lot of Minnesotans are trying to find ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Xcel Energy recommends, in order to keep the air conditioning working while also not driving up the energy bill, programming the thermostat so that when the house is empty, the temperature can go up.
The company also recommends keeping the ceiling fans on to circulate the cool air, and make sure bedroom doors stay open. Other tips include changing the air conditioning or furnace filter and to close the drapes.
Temperatures on Friday will reach the upper 90s with heat indices in the low 90s. Minnesota will warm even more into the low 90s on Saturday, and it'll stay that way through Monday.
A rising heat index means a higher risk for dehydration. Pediatrician Dr. Melanie Lind-Ayres urges everyone to drink up at least every hour.
"Especially if there's caffeine in any of these fluids, your body will do to the body and sugar, you lose extra fluid. You could become more dehydrated," she explained. Anyone experiencing nausea, weakness, disorientation, rapid pulse or dry skin should immediately seek medical advice.
The city of Minneapolis says it will be fully staffed at its two guarded beaches, two water parks and the Webber Natural Swimming Pool. More than 50 wading pools, three splash pads, and seven unguarded beaches will be available as well.
The city added that there would be five air-conditioned recreation centers open over the weekend from noon to 6 p.m.
Cooling centers open on Saturday:
- Bottineau
- Powderhorn
- North Commons
- Whittier
- East Phillips
Cooling centers open on Sunday:
- Northeast
- Pearl
- Fairview
- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
- East Phillips
Click the links for more information on Minneapolis' beaches and pools.