LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With heat indexes climbing well above 100 degrees this week, people working outdoors in Louisville are doing what they can to stay cool, hydrated and safe.

From car washes to front yards, people across the city are braving scorching temperatures while trying to beat the heat. At a car wash in the California neighborhood, workers spent the day handwashing vehicles in 90-plus degree weather — with a heat index that reached 102.

"We just have fun with it while trying to stay cool at the same time," said Jabari Holman, the owner of a car wash. "Sometimes, you'll see the guys spraying water in the air and letting it fall down on them."

The crew works nine hours a day, often six days a week, no matter the weather. In the winter, that means handwashing cars when temperatures are barely above freezing. In the summer, it means finding creative ways to stay cool while on the job.

Woman Mowing

Mary Hall mowed both her lawn and her neighbor's, saying there's no waiting for cooler temperatures when the work needs to be done. June 25, 2025. (WDRB Photo)

Elsewhere in the city, some residents — like Mary Hall, who was mowing both her lawn and her neighbor's — said there's no waiting for cooler temperatures when the work needs to be done.

"I'm going over here to my lot now and finish up what I didn't do Monday," she said. "Plenty of water, spraying myself while I'm watering my tree. I'll cut then I'll sit. Then I'll cut again."

On Wednesday, trainers were uses sponges in ice water to rub down horses at Churchill Downs. Buckets of water were lined up near the finish line after the horses ran and trainers sprayed horses down as they left the track. 

Doctors warn extreme heat like this can be dangerous, especially for older adults, children and people with underlying health conditions.

Aruni Bhatnagar, a professor of medicine at the University of Louisville, said medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and even common over-the-counter aspirin can intensify the body's reaction to heat.

"Even some immune-suppressive drugs like cortisone can actually cause blisters when you're in the sun," Bhatnagar said. "There are asthma medications that can cause issues while you're in the heat and sun as well."

Doctors recommend drinking more water than usual — around 9 cups a day for men and 6 for women — and avoid too many sports drinks, which can contain excess sugar and sodium. Ice water cools the body quickly, but lukewarm water is absorbed faster, making it a better choice for staying hydrated over time.

Officials also urge residents to take breaks often, wear light-colored clothing and avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Splash pads and cooling centers around the city remain popular options for families trying to stay cool — and safe — during this prolonged stretch of extreme heat.

Drink more water than you need because often when people are thirsty, they're already dehydrated.

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