ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605220052
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KATHY LU STAFF WRITER
NOTE: Above
IF THE FORECAST WAS ACCURATE, you're a few degrees cooler now; if not, you're looking for a cool drink and some air conditioning.
Thanks to a cold front expected to pass through Tuesday night, today's high may reach only the low-to mid-80s, with less humidity and a breeze - a bit of relief in the recent heat wave.
But not everyone suffered from the last few days' oppressive temperature - 93 Monday, tying the record high for the date, and 89 Tuesday.
Some schools in Craig, Pulaski and Roanoke counties had another half-day Tuesday, giving students such as sixth-grader Kristin Langford a chance to go swimming at her grandmother's house.
"It felt humid and wet in the main building," said Kristin, who attends Cave Spring Junior High in Roanoke County. "It was just nasty."
Kristin said that although the sixth-grade wing had air conditioning, she had gym class and lunch in the main building, which doesn't. She added that everyone was really happy about the half-day and "couldn't wait to get home."
But today may be different. The three Roanoke County schools without full air conditioning - Bent Mountain and Fort Lewis elementaries and Cave Spring Junior - will decide about early dismissal after the morning forecast, said Marty Robison, executive assistant for Roanoke County schools.
Certain local businesses also benefited from the weather. The 24-hour Stop-In on Memorial Drive Southwest had difficulty stocking ice fast enough for customers.
"We couldn't keep it bagged," said Linda Suthers, a cashier.
Sales at Katie's Ice Cream and Chocolate on Electric Road in Roanoke County increased, according to store manager Shane Amburgey.
"We keep a good stock, so it's hard to sell out [of flavors]," he said. "But we have gotten real short sometimes."
Air conditioners, fans and wading pools have become hot items at area stores.
The Kmart in Northwest Roanoke has been busy selling everything from gas grills and air conditioners to shorts and tank-tops, said manager Michael Puckett.
"We've sold a tremendous amount [of merchandise] since Saturday," he said. "Anything related to the outdoors took off."
Across town at Holdren's in Southwest Roanoke, the situation was much the same.
"We've sold all the air conditioners we had left over from last year," said Butch Hammed, an appliance salesman. "We've gotten at least a dozen calls [Tuesday] asking about air conditioners. We're getting a truckload of new ones [today]. I just wish we got them last week."
The need for cooling appliances also reached Roanoke's League of Older Americans - Area Agency on Aging. Calls swamped the office Monday from people who wanted fans for themselves or family members. The agency had only four fans on hand and enough money to buy 12.
Consequently, the league had to launch its Fan Care drive this week, instead of two weeks from now as planned. Last year, the agency distributed 350 fans and six air conditioners, most of them to low-income elderly people. Priority is given those who have health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease, said Kevin McCullough, director of public relations.
McCullough also said the elderly can stay cool by:
Seeking cool surroundings, such as a library or shopping mall;
Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing;
Avoiding alcohol;
And avoiding hot foods and heavy meals.
Donations to the Fan Care drive can be made at the League of Older Americans' office, 706 Campbell Ave. S.W. from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cash donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 14205, Roanoke 24038.
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: PAUL L. NEWBY II/Staff. 1. Brice Ulrey, 9, (left photo)by CNBtries to cool down 6-year-old Christopher Sprouse's hot foot in
Tuesday's 89-degree heat as Joseph Langford, 8, waits for his turn
with the hose. 2. When Joseph takes charge of the water (below),
Brice gets a cool soaking. The boys may need to keep the spigot on
for today's predicted low-to mid-80s, but even a few
degrees will help. color.