Amid temps feeling like the high 90s, cooling center opens and people find ways to stay cool

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Before the storms began to roll in on Saturday, July 18, temperatures got into the high 80s in Milwaukee, but it felt even hotter. 

Thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon cooled the area back into the mid 70s, but right before that, Milwaukee got up to 89 degrees with heat indices of 97 to 100 degrees.

Mayor Tom Barrett requested that a cooling center open so people could have an air-conditioned space to go to get out of the heat. A cooling center will be open at Hillside Terrace Family Resource Center, which is located at the corner of 7th and Cherry, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Barrett said the space will be extended past the weekend if needed.

"Down through the years, we have had people in Milwaukee die from being too hot. So if it's one or if it's ten (people), if we can help, that's what we all want to do," said Ann Wilson, manager of the Hillside Family Resource Center.

Carver Park's splash pad offered some much needed relief for Milwaukee families.

"Me and my little brother always came and played up at this pool and now, I've got my own kid and being the oldest of seven kids, I bring the kids out and let them play," Tatiana Reed Wright said.

"I'm just bringing my grandsons out to have a good day today. It's pretty hot out so water will help," Ericka Booker said.