Heat wave breaks records

The first seven months of 2012 were the hottest on record in the northeastern United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2012 had an average temperature of 55.3°F, which eclipsed 1998, the previous record holder, by 1°F.

Ricky Perez unloads 300-pound blocks of ice from a brine tank to be sold at Arctic Glacier Premium Ice on July 17, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Perez said, "Right now we are selling these things like crazy." The blocks take three days to freeze in the tank and sell for $75. A heat advisory was issued in the city again today as high temperatures were expected in the 90?s though tomorrow. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Ricky Perez unloads 300-pound blocks of ice from a brine tank to be sold at Arctic Glacier Premium Ice on July 17, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Perez said, "Right now we are selling these things like crazy." The blocks take three days to freeze in the tank and sell for $75. A heat advisory was issued in the city again today as high temperatures were expected in the 90?s though tomorrow. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)