Soaring temperatures and the heat index makes it feel like 100 degrees outside. It feels muggy. It's downright uncomfortable, but Rose Kaufman said 'it's dangerous.'
Kaufman is a supervisor with Healthy Seniors, part of the South Bend Parks Department. She made the decision to cancel an annual Senior Picnic at Potawatomi Park Wednesday.
"With this heat, we just couldn't take the risk," said Kaufman.
But other's don't have that choice. Working outside is how they make their living.
"If you're in the air conditioning and you step out, it's like hitting a brick wall," said Mark Vaughn, a construction worker with McIntire and Jones.
The sounds of generators and heavy machinery could be heard in the distance as construction crews worked on bridge footings to connect two streets just west of Fir Road.
All of this happens eight hours a day, during the early morning and afternoon, when the sun is at its highest point nd the heat and humidity is the most intense.
The crews spent most of the day working in a pit, 20 feet below ground, surrounded by huge dirt mounds that provide little relief. It's one of the reasons why crews here hope the weather conditions work for them, instead of against them.
Vaughn said he prays for cloud cover.
When the sun peaks from the clouds, Vaughn said his team works to stay hydrated and cool, and they watch out for one another.
"You just look for signs," Vaughn said. "Not thinking well, dizziness, and if they are real red or they quit sweating--- you got to get them somewhere safe."
