NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Memorial Day 2024 brought out crowds of people, despite the feels like temperatures reaching past the 100-degree mark.
“It’s warm,” said local artist Erik Jon. “Yeah, it’s warm. It’s picking up almost like it was last year. It’s going to be a hot summer. You can feel it in the air right now.”
But the rising temperatures didn’t stop people from spending the holiday outside.
“The humidity is what I was surprised about,” said Ethan Lopez. “It’s been like five or six years since my last time here, and I’m wetter than before.”
“The clubbing was great but the heat, ugh! It’s really exhausting,” said Daniel.
Some residents even decided to use their time off work to schedule some exercise.
“I’m riding my bike around,” said John E. “I’m sort of a long-extended tourist. You know, it’s early in the summer. So, if you can’t handle this, well, honestly, that’s why I’m leaving. That’s why I’m leaving. Ha.”
Others were unbothered by the near-record highs. One man even said he actually prefers working in the heat because the higher the temperatures, the bigger the income.
“You just got to listen to your body, drink lots of water, electrolytes, douse your head in water, go into hotels and some air conditioning. Just take care of yourself,” Micajah Burke said.
Whether it was bus rides, beignets, Bourbon Street or barbecues, people from all over the state and the country made their way to New Orleans to celebrate.
“For me, I’m perfectly fine. The water is cooling off a breeze,” said Frank Isom. “I have water. I’m good. I like it.”
Isom ended the day trying to keep cool the best way New Orleanians know how.
“I’m eating fruit, drinking water and I’m going to sneak me a snowball later on,” said Isom.
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