The dizzying heat presents a challenge to outdoor workers. Some jobs still have to get done, even when it's extremely hot outside.

Workers find ways to cope in the weather that's very uncomfortable. And that means workers are sweaty, sticky and uncomfortable.

"The trucks don't have air conditioning and then when we get out; it's just hot outside," said mailman Derek Elkins.

For Thurman Lipscomb, working in the heat can be difficult. He works construction downtown.

"Just about passed out yesterday but I kept on going," he said.

To avoid that, he, like many other outdoor workers, stay hydrated. It's the key to surviving in this weather, he said.

"We're drinking plenty of water," he said.

John Youssef sells hot dogs outside on Salisbury Street. He said it's hot, but he finds ways to get relief. When things slow down, he hangs out under a tree or sneaks inside an air-conditioned building for a breath of cold air.

At the end of Salisbury Street, Randy Heard picked one of the hottest days to start his hot dog business. But it just so happened that he also picked a nice shady spot, with a breeze.

"It gets a little warm here, but it's bearable," said Heard.

Fighting fires is not easy in this weather, either.

"We keep an eye on them and rotate them more frequently and in advance we go ahead and call for more help than if it's normal weather conditions," said Raleigh Fire Department Battalion Chief Rob Johnson.

A house fire broke out in Raleigh Monday morning. No one was injured, and EMS workers worked hard to make sure none of the firefighters fell victim to the heat.

"As needed we give hydration, check vitals and just try to cool them off as quickly as possible to they can go back and do their job," said Paramedic Field Training officer Tim Martin.

Johnson said they prepare for these conditions, hydrating in advance, because inside those suits it's extremely hot.

"You can be well in the 120 [degree] range," he said.