Staff photo by Fritz Busch
Lane Vorwerk of Gibbon, second from left, is doused by a bucket of water at the North Park Splash Pad Tuesday. Lane’s brother Lukas and another girl wait for the water. The temperature reached 93 degrees F. in New Ulm Tuesday afternoon. Warmer weather is forecast Wednesday and Thursday.

NEW ULM — Tyler and Missy Vorwerk of Gibbon beat the heat Tuesday bringing their boys Lukas and Lane to the North Park Splash Pad.

A dairy farmer, Tyler Vorwerk said he’ll bring his family to the splash pad when he has time.

“The kids liked the park. They play on the playground, then come to the splash pad and cool off when they get hot,” said Tyler.

“It’s not so bad in the shade with a breeze,” said Missy Vorwerk.

A number of children were at the splash pad Tuesday. Others were at city wading pools.

The temperature reached 93 degrees, but felt like 98 degrees Tuesday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m CDT Thursday. Heat index values up to 102 are expected Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, according to the NWS.

Hot temperatures and high humidly may cause heat illnesses to occur, according to the advisory.

Low temperatures Thursday morning are expected to remain above 70 degrees, which will limit the ability to cool down overnight.

Precautionary actions include drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air conditioned room, staying out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible.

Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities from noon Tuesday, July 25 through 9 p.m. Thursday, July 27.

In the Twin Cities, ground-level ozone is forecast to be high Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Ozone levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across central and southern Minnesota.

Sensitive groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.

For more information, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/air-quality-alert issued for ozone.