JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – From family strolls to outdoor exercise and fishing, Jacksonville residents found ways to cope Monday as temperatures climbed to 101 degrees, with the heat index reaching 112 degrees.
“We’re just breathing slowly and walking slowly and not having far to go,” Mary Love said. “It’s a convection oven. Even the wind is hot.”
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While some residents modified their outdoor activities, others maintained their exercise routines.
“It’s all about hydration. To stay moving and active in this heat, have to stay hydrated,” said Nekhwadjet Maat.
For dog walker Grace Hodges, the scorching temperatures meant adapting her schedule while managing three dogs simultaneously.
“When you feel that heat coming on, it drives you crazy,” Hodges said. She limits walks to no more than 30 minutes in extreme conditions.
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The triple-digit temperatures didn’t deter some residents from fishing. Isiah Brooks’s strategy for dealing with the heat was straightforward: “Drinking water and staying hydrated.”
Not everyone seemed bothered by the conditions. When asked about wearing a long-sleeved shirt in the heat, Brianna Copeland responded, “No. I’m not hot at all.”
Construction workers faced particularly challenging conditions, wearing layers of protective clothing under the intense sun. “It’s like being stuck in an oven. It’s really hot,” said Junior Cordova, a construction supervisor. “My guys have to keep hydrated. We’re giving them breaks every hour.”
While most hospitals in the Jacksonville metropolitan area have not reported increases in heat-related emergency room visits, UF Health confirmed they have treated several heat-related cases.