Green Country Residents Trying To Keep Their Cool

Craig Day, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- July set a record as the hottest month ever recorded in Oklahoma. We broke a record set back in 1954, and August doesn't look any better.

With temperatures this week expected to be the hottest of the year, many people are trying as best they can to beat the heat.

07/31/2011 Related Story: Record-Breaking Heat Possible In Green Country This Week

All day, every day, Vernon McManus is out selling watermelons and other produce.

"It's tough, but you've got to do it. Got to make a living," McManus said.

With the temperatures sky high, those days feel like they're getting much longer, and a lot tougher.

"68 years old and it's about the hottest I've ever seen," McManus said.

With temperatures well past 100 degrees and headed toward record breaking territory, McManus is trying to stay in the shade, trying to stay hydrated, and trying to stay positive.

"I've got a lady that lives across the street from me that has chickens. One day last week, she had to give them ice water to keep them from laying boiled eggs," he joked.

It's fun to joke about, but after day after day above 100 degrees this year, at this point it's no laughing matter. The heat has many people searching for relief.

Ashley and Michael Priest's children love to splash in their kiddie pool on hot days. But after just a little while in the sun, the water gets hot.

"Probably within ten minutes, it's already warm like a bath," Ashley Priest said.

So, Mom comes to the rescue with ice to cool things down.

While some are having fun in the kiddie pool, others are trying to keep the kids entertained and cool at the splash pad.

"It's hot, really hot. I'm ready for it to cool down a little bit," said Owasso resident Amanda Bright.

The temperatures are leaving many longing for Fall, which is only about 50 days away. In this heat, with it so dry, 50 days may seem like an eternity.