Just how hot are surfaces getting during the extreme heat in Wichita? We measured some

It’s no secret that it’s been a hot week in Wichita.

The city broke at least three daily heat records in recent days. Saturday was the hottest Aug. 19 recorded in Wichita, reaching 111 degrees Fahrenheit and busting the previous record set in 1936 and 2011. Sunday, the city broke its Aug. 20 high record of 106 degrees set in 1896 and 2001 after reaching 108 degrees. Monday, Wichita reached 106 degrees, breaking the previous record of 105 degrees set in 1896.

The triple-digit highs are expected to continue through Friday, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

So how hot are surface temperatures around Wichita? The Eagle visited some spots downtown Tuesday to measure them, including at the Keeper of the Plains and Riverside Park.

Before you bring your child to the park or your dog on a walk, you might want to prepare accordingly.

How hot are surfaces during extreme heat?

The hottest surface measured was the rubber floor of a playground at Riverside Park taken at about 1:45 p.m., when it measured 175 degrees in the sun. More than an hour earlier, it measured 162 degrees.

The Eagle used an Etekcity infrared thermometer to take all the measurements reported in this story.

The bridge at the Keeper of the Plains, a popular place for pet owners to walk their dogs, measured 109 degrees while the railing measured 112. The surface of the parking lot nearby measured 132 degrees at around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The wet ground at the splash pad at Riverside Park was 95 degrees, while the dry ground in the splash pad measured 124 degrees around 1:45 p.m.

Here are some other surface temperatures around Wichita, taken around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday:

• The turf at Naftzger Park was 151 degrees in the sun and measured 107 in the shade around noon, when it was 97 degrees outside.

• The grass at Riverside Park measured 109 degrees in the sun and was 96 degrees in the shade around noon.

• The wooden lunch tables were 98 degrees in the shade and 139 in the sun around noon.

• A slide on the playground in direct sun was 151 degrees around noon.

• Rocks in the playground measured 134 degrees in the sun and 106 degrees in the shade around noon.

• The rubber park benches measured 120 degrees in the sun and 102 degrees in the shade around noon.

Staying safe in extreme heat while outdoors

It’s important to stay aware of the temperature if you have to be outdoors.

Being outside for long periods during triple-digit temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Here are some tips on staying cool during high temperatures from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as long as possible. If you work outdoors, take breaks to cool off in air conditioning when you can.

• Stay hydrated and drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Wear light-weight clothing.

• If you can, schedule outdoor activities in the morning and later in the day when it’s not as hot.

• Take cool showers and baths after spending time in the heat.

It’s also important to keep an eye out for possible symptoms of heat illnesses if you’re outside for an extended amount of time.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include thirst, dizziness, heavy sweating, weakness and nausea, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of a heat stroke include rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting. If you are experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Wichita has several community centers open during the day to provide a place to rest and cool off if you need one.