BY JULIE IRWIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Faced with a fourth consecutive day of 90-plus temperatures, Tristate residents took to the water Sunday to beat the heat.
Area pools, marinas and canoe rental centers reported heavy traffic from customers seeking relief.
The Cincinnati Health Department kept a heat emergency in effect and cautioned people to decrease physical activity and drink plenty of water.
The National Weather Service predicted possible scattered thunderstorms for today, but temperatures are expected to remain around 90 degrees. A cold front Tuesday could push highs down slightly into the upper 80s, but the real cooling -- down to a high of 80 or so -- might not occur until Thursday or Friday.
"It's summertime, so this is to be expected," meteorologist Jim Lott said. "We're still well below our records."
The boaters and canoeists on area waterways were a welcome sight to some business owners, after reports of high water had kept people away earlier in the season.
"The water was high, but now it's fine," said Joan Crutchfield of Bruce's Loveland Canoe Rental on the Little Miami River.
"There's just a ton of people now. The water's fine, and the weather's good."
The health department urged residents to:
Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored cotton clothing. Eat light meals and avoid alcohol.
Cool down with showers, baths and recreational swimming.
Use the basement during the hottest hours.
Be a good neighbor and check on those who may need assistance. Avoid leaving children and pets unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly.
Be kind to your pets. Provide pets with shade and plenty of cool water.
