Report predicts deadly summers from heat for decades to come in Cleveland

CLEVELAND - For those who don't have to work outside in an early-season heat wave hitting this Memorial Day weekend, there are ways to enjoy this summer like weather in May, but danger lurks as the mercury rises.

While some people crowded local ice cream shops like Mitchell's in Rocky River, others golfed, played chess under a shady tree or hit the very cool water of Lake Erie at Edgewater park in Cleveland. However, there's cause for concern as more heat waves hit the Cleveland area.

A new report called " Killer Summer Heat " done by the Natural Resources Defense Council predicts Cleveland will be one of the top cities for decades to come when it comes to heat-related deaths. Because Cleveland sees a fluctuation in temperatures it's more difficult for people to get used to rapidly rising heat in the 90s, which are expected this weekend.

People who live in Miami, Florida don't see such dramatic temperature changes and are more acclimated to a steady does of hot weather, the report found.

The report blamed the frequency of predicted heat waves combined with Cleveland's aging population to make for a dangerous, even deadly, combination. The report ranks Cleveland in the top three cities for heat-related deaths and says it's only going to get worse.

Larry Gray with the Cleveland Fire Department said medical calls increase with the rising temperatures and advises everyone, but especially the elderly and very young, to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Gray also said people should check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors during heat waves like the one this Memorial Day weekend.

The city of Cleveland issued an alert regarding the hot weather hitting so early this season and reminded people that fans do little to cool people off once it hits the upper 90s, so take cool baths or showers city officials suggested.

Cleveland city pools open June 16.

Meanwhile, fans are a hot item at Sutton Industrial Hardware on Prospect Avenue in Cleveland where workers were also stocking shelves with cases of bottled water.

Customer Allen Turner said when his work day outside in the heat is done, his plan for this holiday weekend is to turn on the fan, grab some cold water, relax and try and stay cool.