ESCANABA - Local residents will get a break from last week's heat wave this week, but don't expect it to last. Another round of intense heat appears to be just around the corner.
Temperatures are expected to climb back into the upper 80s and low 90s by the weekend, according to the long range forecast.
Last week, the heat wave that gripped the nation left the residents of the Upper Peninsula looking for ways to stay cool.
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Residents make the most of last week’s heat wave by visiting the Escanaba Beach. Another heat wave is expected this weekend and into next week. (Daily Press photo by Ilsa Matthes)
Temperatures soared, reaching as high as 90 degrees. This week, the National Weather Service predicts temperatures will drop into the mid-70s in the beginning of the week. Temperatures will rise to upper 70s or low 80s by Wednesday and Thursday and back into the high 80s by the weekend.
With last week's high humidity, the heat index was as much as five degrees hotter than the actual temperature.
Residents throughout the U.P. looked for ways to cope, and many chose to stay inside, where there was air conditioning.
Homes without air conditioning may be out of luck as stores struggle to keep air conditioners on the shelves.
"We sold out, actually, of all of our window units. We're hoping to get some more back in the next day or two," said Dan Derouin of Pioneer TV & Appliance Friday. "Within the last week, we sold everything we had."
Many residents turned to the lakes to stay cool during the heat wave. The water temperatures have not yet peaked for the year, but swimmers didn't seem to mind.
"The beaches have been very busy. The water temperatures are very comfortable," said Escanaba Recreation Director Tom Penegor. "It's good to see people out and exercising and enjoying living on a lake as nice as Lake Michigan."
Families with young children can beat the heat at the Webster Wading Pool. The pool, which is open from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays, has been seeing between 100 and 150 visitors daily during hot weather.
Cold treats have been another popular way for residents to beat the heat.
"It's been good for the ice cream," said Doug Alvord of Cherry Lane. "Ice cream sales have increased dramatically."
Even with temperatures well into the 80s, some people refused to let the heat get them down.
"We have nine students from Christ the King Lutheran and Bethany Lutheran who are going to a youth convention in New Orleans, and this is their last fundraiser," said Jeanne Sauter, who seemed unfazed by the heat Friday while selling brats in the parking lot of Elmer's County Market. "We're dealing with it just fine."
Even the students kept a positive attitude despite the heat. "It was really hot, but it was OK," said Page Cavadeas, who had spent part of the day standing by the road with a sign to attract customers. "With traffic going by, you got wind so you got a breeze. It wasn't a cold breeze but it was a breeze.
"It's hot out there, that's for sure. There's no shade out there," Cavadeas added.