Beckleyans brave the heat and humidity to work, play

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — Summertime brings with it a sense of livelihood as people flock outdoors for fun.

Everything seems to respond to the sunshine.

However, heat and humidity were both running high on Monday, June 17, 2024, leaving some feeling a little slow and wilted.

But in the City of Beckley, people were also hard at work, as they paved parking lots, worked on vehicles and worked in their yards.

Kim Ratfliff was jogging on South Kanawha Street during her lunch break.

“My pace is slower,” said Ratliff, as she paused to chat with 59News. “It’s harder to breathe, and you sweat a whole lot more.”

Jordan Maniece and Richard Maniece were out of school for summer vacation.
“We’ve been playing football. We’ve been playing a lot of stuff today,” said Jordan.

Jordan added that he and Richard ducked inside the house regularly to cool off in the air conditioning.

“And we got a little tiny water thing, and we be spraying each other,” Richard added.

Across town at Galleria Plaza, Larry Robertson was inside of his parked car. He said he was waiting for his wife to finish her pedicure.

“Well, it’s warm,” remarked Robertson. I’m going to sit here for a few minutes. If it gets really bad, I may have to start the car and run the air conditioner, or go inside, but it’s been hot. Got plenty of water. Got to drink a lot of water when it’s this hot.”

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge people to be careful when sitting inside cars, because temperatures can rise quickly.

CDC officials advise that it is better to stay inside, with air conditioning.

Those who are outdoors or without air conditioning should drink plenty of water while avoiding sugary drinks and drinks that have caffeine. They should also wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to aid in ventilation.

Signs of a heat stroke include hot, dry skin, seizures, confusion and fainting.

Those who are suspected of having heat stroke should be cooled off immediately and taken promptly to a medical professional.

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