Finding cool spots to beat the heat in Milwaukee

The heat advisory may have been pushed back until Friday morning for southeastern Wisconsin, but that means there’s plenty of time to plan ahead for the scorcher.

• Your Guide To Protect Your Family From The Heat

Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s on Friday afternoon, with heat index values near 110.

If the sun is something you want to avoid, but nature still peaks your interest, a trip to the Mitchell Park Domes might be a good climate-controlled choice.

“It’s probably cooler than it is outdoors,” said Jennifer Bottomley.

Bottomley is visiting from Boston. The Mitchell Park Domes was her first stop in Milwaukee knowing heat was on the rise.

“I’ve been coming here since I was like 12 or 13 years old when it first opened,” she said.

Another indoor activity suited for those in the mood for a cool exercise spot, the Pettit National Ice Center keeps temperatures extra frigid in the 50s.

“You can walk, you can skate when we have public skating, and get out of the heat, get out of the wind, get out of the rain, all of those elements outside,” said Randy Dean, executive director.

For others, finding a reprieve from the heat is a necessity. The Salvation Army has two local cooling centers in the Milwaukee area. Patricia Williams is the commanding officer of the Villard location. She said their fridges and freezers are stocked with free and cold bottled water for anyone in need.

“They need a nice cool place to come to in this heat, just to come and have a place of safety,” Williams said.

Those who want to catch some rays while keeping cool can do so at several Milwaukee County pools including Schulz Aquatic Center on Green Bay Avenue.

“Yesterday was so hot, and I was too hot, so today I wanna come to the pool,” said Ameira Smith.

Smith and her friend Destiny prefer the thrill of the slick water slides.

“It’s like cool, it ain’t cold, though, but it ain’t hot,” she said.