Temperatures Heat Up Coachella Fest Fans
Saturday was the second day of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio.
So far, police said most people were behaving. However, they did make 12 arrests Friday – all were drug or alcohol related. A big concern was the heat as temperatures edged into the 90s.
By mid-morning, the heat was on at the festival. Fans crowded the tree-lined grassy area looking for refuge from the sun.
“It’s hot and it’s going to get hotter throughout the day,” said Susie Mcghee, a fan from San Diego.
Despite the heat, no one was letting the weather stand in their way of a fun weekend. They were prepared for the elements.
“A lot of sunblock, waters and hats,” said Mcghee.
From sunblock and water to barely-there outfits, they did whatever it took to stay cool. People carried umbrellas, doused themselves in water and hid in the shade.
Just about every year, there are heat-related illnesses reported out at the festival, but it used to be a lot worse. The event used to be held later in the year when temps were much higher. In 2001, organizers moved it to April to beat the heat and fans are glad.
“This year it’s a lot more bearable,” said returning fan, Kaitlyn Wesley. “Last time I came it was much hotter.”
Repeat festival goers said this year is the coolest yet.
“Last year it was into the 100s, like 107 even,” said returning fan, Brittany Sideri.
Still some people who said the heat is all part of the fun.
“This is the chance to soak in the sun,” said Dylan Boackstone. “I’m a lizard. I need the sun to operate.”
Saturday night’s headliner is Muse, they’ll take the stage at 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are sold out. You might find people trying to sell tickets on the Web or near the concert grounds, but be careful because there are many scammers out on the prowl.
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