Across the city Friday, there was a common goal -- to somehow beat the heat.
Just ask Stefan Gansert, a visitor from Washington, D.C.
"Whew. Catch the trolley,” he said.“That's what we're doing. Instead of walking, we're taking the trolley everywhere we go."
But even folks on the streetcar had to be hot – as the Friday forecast called for the heat index to reach between 105 – 115.
For construction workers, groundskeepers, and even the defending Super Bowl Champion Saints, who braved the soaring temperatures for day one of preseason camp - Channel 4 Chief Meteorologist Carl Arredondo says Friday’s heat advisory serves as a warning.
"It becomes dangerous because our bodies just can't cool themselves off, especially if you're outside trying to work,” he said.“So these advisories are issued to try and remind folks that you have to take it slow, lots of breaks, and get in the shade as often as you can."
Friday, people, and pets cooled off however they could.
But while some heat remedies may seem obvious, doctors warn that you could get into trouble more quickly than you think.
"Common sense doesn't always protect us,” said Dr. Jim Aiken with LSU.“By the time we feel we need something, often times it's too late, and once that cascade of heat-related illnesses starts, often times, it happens far too quickly for people to be able to take care of themselves."
Aiken says, as the days pass, people keep coming in with symptoms of heat illness.
"You measure their body temperature, and it's a couple degrees higher than it should. We're seeing children, again, who are coming in a little listless. They haven't been drinking enough. They're dehydrated," he said.
Friday, heat altered the first day of Saints practice, moving the team indoors for the afternoon session.
Over the next few days, it could be more of the same.
"It looks like this high is gonna stay with us,” Arredondo said. “So through the weekend and the early part of next week, it looks like we're still gonna stay with near record high temperatures. That means mid to upper 90's for the next few days and very low rain chances."
Street vendor Monotor Pete, who sells ice cream, soft drinks, and water, sees first-hand how it affects people.
"You can tell when they're walking up. They look like they've been beaten down. It's a pretty hot day."
Part of an already sizzling summer.
