Vermont and New York residents find ways to stay cool amid extreme summer heat

The summer heat is having an impact on the way people in Vermont and Northern New York are spending time outside and how some local businesses are operating.Families got an early start at Burlington’s Oakledge Park on Tuesday — looking to beat the afternoon heat.Zachary Stevens from South Burlington brought his family to the park during the cooler hours of the day.”We like to come in the morning to avoid the heat,” said Stevens. “We’ve got the water too, so if we need to go cool off, we can dip our toes in.”With even more hot weather in the forecast, visitors say they’re staying flexible with their plans. “We’re not sure what we’re gonna do later in the week yet,” said Angela Messina from New York. “Probably some indoor activities. Probably stay in the air conditioning a little bit. But we’re on vacation, so we want to enjoy it while we’re here.”Heat disrupts local businessesBut it’s not just people making adjustments to the heat. In Jericho, Snowflake Chocolates has temporarily suspended shipping to prevent chocolate orders from melting in transit.”We’re in this cycle of hot weather, melting chocolate, and sending it off with what we hope is enough packaging and cooling and protection – and a wing and a prayer!” said Sharon Wintersteen, Head of Shipping for Snowflake Chocolates. “I mean, what’s coming? This 90-degree weather? Forget it!”Right next door at Palmer Lane Maple, melting was expected. The hot weather brought in lots of families hoping to cool off with a cold creemee.As the hot stretch continues, folks are getting out early, staying in the shade, and enjoying lots of sweet treats.

JERICHO, Vt. —

The summer heat is having an impact on the way people in Vermont and Northern New York are spending time outside and how some local businesses are operating.

Families got an early start at Burlington’s Oakledge Park on Tuesday — looking to beat the afternoon heat.

Zachary Stevens from South Burlington brought his family to the park during the cooler hours of the day.

“We like to come in the morning to avoid the heat,” said Stevens. “We’ve got the water too, so if we need to go cool off, we can dip our toes in.”

With even more hot weather in the forecast, visitors say they’re staying flexible with their plans.

“We’re not sure what we’re gonna do later in the week yet,” said Angela Messina from New York. “Probably some indoor activities. Probably stay in the air conditioning a little bit. But we’re on vacation, so we want to enjoy it while we’re here.”

Heat disrupts local businesses

But it’s not just people making adjustments to the heat. In Jericho, Snowflake Chocolates has temporarily suspended shipping to prevent chocolate orders from melting in transit.

“We’re in this cycle of hot weather, melting chocolate, and sending it off with what we hope is enough packaging and cooling and protection – and a wing and a prayer!” said Sharon Wintersteen, Head of Shipping for Snowflake Chocolates. “I mean, what’s coming? This 90-degree weather? Forget it!”

Right next door at Palmer Lane Maple, melting was expected. The hot weather brought in lots of families hoping to cool off with a cold creemee.

As the hot stretch continues, folks are getting out early, staying in the shade, and enjoying lots of sweet treats.