It's hot, but WNYers soak up the rays

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - There is officially a drought in parts of western New York. And while farmers are spending a fortune irrigating crops, other WNYers are just soaking up summer.

Even past sundown on Friday, it was still toasty outside, even along the lake. But people remained outside, having fun, and definitely not complaining.

Kevin Madoo said, "I appreciate the heat, so I'm dealing with it. I don't mind it. It could be worse, could be snow! So, I take it. I'm actually glad."

Record-setting heat and endless summer sunshine aren't keeping many WNYers from outdoor work and play. Whether it's cleaning up Woodlawn Beach, sunbathing, or enjoying Canalside concerts.

Heat, however, has its downsides. Some, who are used to more strenuous routines, are finding themselves having to dial back their intensity.

Christine Olson is training for a half-marathon and said, "It's just bad. I haven't been training for it as much. I'm staying cool, but I haven't been training as much, because of the heat. It's definitely taken away from training."

When it's this hot, it's all the more important to keep the basic cooldown methods in mind.

Jackie Clute said, "I've been swimming in the pool with my daughter and my sister."

And Sandralee Smith has been swimming every day. She said, "We've been swimming every day. For the grass and that, keep the sprinklers going. The pets, keep them cool inside. Keep your air conditioners on, keep cool at night. You'll be good to go."

David Meza suggested, "Haircut, there you go! Keep a nice short haircut, just so the long hair doesn't get up on you. That's pretty much it, right there."

And of course: location, location, location. This is the time of year when being near the lake has its perks.

Carl Graetz said, "We live just a few miles away, so we usually have a pretty good breeze. We've got fans in the house. We don't have air-conditioning, but it hasn't been that bad."

Violet Funderburk added, "[Drinking] a lot of water. I've been coming to this beach a lot more often than I normally do."

So when will WNY see some rain? Find out in the full 4 Warn Weather forecast.