It’s official: This is the hottest summer ever in Denver

DENVER — Monday sealed the deal. Denver has officially experienced the hottest summer ever on record.

The high at Denver International Airport reached 98 degrees. It set a record for the high temperature for August 27, and it was the 62nd day we’ve had that hit 90 degrees or above. The old record was 61 in 2000.

As after school sports pick back up, parents and coaches have to be more careful than ever to make sure young athletes stay safe.

“We’ve had camps and training going on all summer and the kids have been complaining about the heat,” said Ryan Moore.

Moore is a coach at Skyline Soccer, and now more than ever, he’s aware of the effect the heat can have on his young players.

“Headaches, nausea, things like that; we even had a kid this summer whose skin turned white,” he said.

To avoid that, Moore takes some important steps.

“We make sure that the kids are taking extra water breaks,” he said. “We make sure when we chat to do it in the shade, if possible.”

Parents we spoke with were surprised at how hot this summer has been. They’re also taking measures to keep their kids protected in the sun.

“I couldn’t believe that it’s coming up to September, Labor Day and it’s still 90 degrees,” said Liza England. “We make sure we put on sunscreen all the time, whether we’re going out to play soccer or just before school. And we drink lots of water. We bring a couple of water bottles to whatever activity we’re doing.”

Water may be the most important safety tool, so how much should you drink and when?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 2- 4 glasses each hour starting well before you plan to be outdoors.

Avoid alcohol and sugar, which can cause you to lose more body fluid. And don’t drink your water ice cold because that can cause stomach cramps. It’s also important to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and wear hats and sunscreen.