According to NOAA, July 2012 breaks a record that previously belonged to July 1936 at the peak of the Dust Bowl. It was not only the hottest July on record for the lower 48, but the hottest of any moth since records began 117 years ago. SO far this year a total of 5 months (January, March, April, May, and now July) Have been a top 4 warmest making this the hottest start to the year on record. On top of it all lack of rain is adding to the problem in the midwest. How is the Heat/Draught efffecting your area? And what do you think about this year being compared to the dustbowl (a pretty big deal) in regards to climate, ect.? Maybe just a little bit frightening? I live in Kansas, we had almost no winter... actually I'm pretty sure we hit or almost hit 100 back in march! Crazy. Also We've seen VERY little rainfall. I heard the chistmas trees and pumpkins are doing horrid... not to mention all the other failed crops. I feel really bad for the farmers and people who depend on the weather to make a living (I live in the city). Prices are expected to go up on many things... like milk. Cows don't produce nearly as much when they are hot.