5 Ways to Beat the Heat in Birmingham

Southeastern Michigan is in the middle of a heat wave, and no matter where you go in Birmingham, it's hot — really hot.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the triple digits today and tomorrow, with the National Weather Service predicting that this could turn into the longest duration of hot and humid weather since 1995. A heat advisory expires at 8 a.m. today, though an excessive heat watch remains in effect until Thursday morning.

Extreme heat and high humidity require the body to work harder to maintain a normal temperature because evaporation of perspiration is slowed. Heat can kill by pushing the body beyond its limits, the Oakland County Health Department advises.

To avoid the heat and its harmful side effects, we've got five things you can do in and around Birmingham to beat the heat.

• Check out the library: A popular air-conditioned haven in the center of town, the doesn't require one to purchase a thing, and it provides plenty of comfy chairs and couches as well as all the free books and magazines you could want. Bring the children to the 10:30 a.m. story time, "Wow for Wednesdays! — Wonders of Japan."
• See a movie: Another popular place to be when the weather gets steamy is the movies, and the and provide plenty of cool theaters to wait out the heat. If you haven't seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the Palladium offers 21 showings throughout the day. Also showing are Winnie the Pooh, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Cars 2 and Horrible Bosses.
• Take a dip in the pool: Don't have a swimming pool of your own? Birmingham has several pools, though many require membership. The has its own indoor competition pool, as do the and . The also has its own swimming pool.
• Indulge in a sweet treat: What's better on a hot day than ice cream? Though you'll have to eat it fast, Birmingham has plenty of ice cream hot — er, cool spots. The on Woodward Avenue is popular at all hours of the day, no matter how hot it gets. Meanwhile, you can grab a specialty creation at downtown or a cone at . For more on Birmingham's ice cream scene, check out .
• Stay healthy: Nothing is cooler than avoiding heat stroke and the emergency room. If you don't have air conditioning or will be working outside, remember to: wear loose, lightweight cotton clothing; run cool water over your pulse points, such as your wrist and temples; graze all day instead of indulging in big meals; keep your head cool — the temperature of your head regulates your entire body.