Waukee Fights to Stay Cool in Record High Temps

No matter if you're a lifelong Iowan or new to the area, it's really hard to like Iowa summers.

Scorching heat, dry conditions, suffocating humidity and the heat index through the roof - yeah. It almost makes you want to summer in Iceland.

But, even in record high temperatures, Waukee residents are still keeping cool the best they can.

Eric Kress, executive director at the said traffic has been steady this week as families flock to the YMCA's aquatic center. Just after the lunch hour Tuesday, the pool was filled with kids and parents alike escaping the heat.

"Our pool is always busy," said Kress. "I'm not sure it's any more than usual today. It's always a good summer weather destination."

Kress said the YMCA is taking extra care with campers participating in day camps throughout Waukee this week. He said counselors are pushing water over sugary drinks during snack times and making sure campers are taking ample breaks inside and out of the extreme temperatures.

People like Sabrina Brittain don't necessarily have that luxury. Brittain mans the truck at the corner of Dartmoor and Hickman Road selling sweet corn to passers by.

Brittain said while she had lots of cold drinks on hand and was taking short breaks out of the sun, it was still hot work being out there from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"It's been hot but there's a nice breeze so that helps," she said. "I'm drinking a lot and trying to stay out of the sun."

Waukee residents could see a brief respite from the high temps as soon as tomorrow. There's a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms predicted for early in the day Wednesday.