Oklahoma Governor: Please Pray for Rain

29 states remain under heat advisories

(NEWSER) - Twenty-nine states are under advisories as a blistering heat wave continues, MSNBC reports. East Coast temps are projected to hit highs in the 90s and 100s, says a meteorologist, but the heat index—what it feels like—could be closer to 115 degrees through tomorrow, says the National Weather Service. “In this heat, it's not just about discomfort,” an expert said. It’s about “survival.” More»

Heat advisories in 22 states today

(NEWSER) - It's about as far away from Christmas as we can get, but much of the South and Midwest might feel like they're roasting on an open fire. Heat advisories and warnings were issued yesterday for 17 states, reports the AP; that number increased to 22 states in the lower 48 today, and there's not much relief in sight, Weather.com reports. "It says a lot when you are dealing with such an expansive area of heat alerts," says a National Weather Service spokesman. More»

Heat wave breaks official thermometer

(NEWSER) - Heat records melted in a scorching day across southern California yesterday, with downtown Los Angeles recording the highest temperature since records began in 1877. The National Weather Service's thermometer hit 113º around noon before breaking down, and officials say the day's true temperature could have been even higher, the Los Angeles Times reports. More»

Experts offer tips for saving money on air-conditioning

(NEWSER) - Almost one-fifth of Americans' spending on utilities goes toward keeping cool, but the total doesn't have to be that high, reports USA Today . With most of the US in the grip of a heat wave , some pointers for becoming less reliant on less air-conditioning and lowering your electric bill:

• Get wet: Running cool water over pulse points in your wrists and splashing your face or temples can lower your body temperature.

(NEWSER) - Fans, ice cream, and AC were in short supply yesterday as Seattle recorded the hottest temperature in its history, a sizzling 103 degrees, and heat records melted across the region, reports the Seattle Times. Relief is still a sweaty few days away as a heat warning remains in effect for much of the state throughout the week. More»