Community Corner

Clawson Copes with Heat Wave as Temps Expected to Hit 100 Degrees

Scorching temperatures have provided little to no relief for the area, but Clawson residents and employees are pushing on.

The heat is certainly taking a toll on Clawson, as construction workers shut down early and summer day campers turn to more indoor activities.

Temperatures have peaked in the 90s every day since Saturday and we can't expect much relief in the next several days. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures could reach near 100 degrees Thursday with a real feel of 105 degrees and remain in the 90s through Sunday. There isn't a chance of rain until Thursday night.

Construction workers on the Crooks Road project say the hot weather means more breaks and shorter days. 

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"If it gets too hot, we go under the shade," construction worker Toni Calzada said. 

When temperatures reach 95-100 degrees, Calzada said they go home earlier in the day. Crews typically work a 10-hour day and begin their shifts at about 6:30 a.m., he said. On Wednesday, workers were expecting to stop work around 2:30 p.m. when temperatures usually peak. 

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Even after working hours in the scorching sun, Calzada said he doesn't mind. "It's good, I like the hot weather," he said. "It beats the cold."

Restaurants such as  say the hot weather has actually boosted business. "Because it's so hot, a lot of people go out to eat," said Tracy Parlangeli, co-owner of the Main Street restaurant.

Parlangeli said patrons have still been stopping in to dine on the outdoor patio under the umbrellas during the day. The restaurant closes at 2:30 p.m., so customers usually beat the hottest part of he day.

At , the patio was empty at lunchtime Wednesday; manager Tom Melistas said that's been the trend all week.

Most customers have opted to eat inside unless it's later in the evening when temperatures drop, Melistas said.

"Some people can handle the heat, some can't," he said.

At the Clawson Summer Day Camp, the kids are only going outside in the morning, director Kevin Gillam said. Even then, they are running inside for drinks of water every few minutes, he said. Luckily, the campers are scheduled for a field trip to Red Oaks Water Park on Friday.

"We'll be making sure they have plenty of sunscreen," Gillam said.

Seniors at the say they have been taking it easy this week to cope with the hot temperatures.

"I have my air on in my car and at home," said Alice Pomeray, of Berkley. "I don't do anything in a hurry."


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