How hot is it around the country?

Temperature records are being blown out of the water by triple-digit readings from the Rocky Mountains to the mid-South. Readings of 100 degrees or more have been common in many points in the middle 1/3 of the U.S. Here are just a few of the sweltering records, according to MDA EarthSat Weather Travis Hartman:

• High temperatures in Denver, Colorado, have exceeded 100 degrees in the last 5 days, setting a record for the number of consecutive days over the century mark.

• In St. Louis, Missouri, an expected high temperature of 107 degrees later this week would break that city's all-time high temperature for June.

• Chicago, Illinois, hasn't seen 100 degrees in 24 years, but that mark's expected to be surpassed this week.

• The temperature hasn't surged past 100 degrees in Atlanta, Georgia, for nearly 6 decades, but temperatures up to 103 are expected for later this week. The last time the mercury climbed that high in Atlanta was in June 1886.

• The temperature is expected to surge to 104 degrees in Memphis, Tennessee, over the weekend, tying that city's all-time record high.

• See more on how the heat's affecting the corn & soybean crops
  
• Marketing Talk: Drought images & stories
  
• Read more: Corn takes dive in crop progress report
  
• Also: Crop ratings 'worst since 1989'
  
• Join the discussion: An ugly forecast
  
• NEW: Add your crop photos here!

Crop at a crossroads On a day when the grain markets screamed higher & opened the door to major volatility, one editor hit the road to see how things look in southern Iowa & northern Missouri.

Drought in Hoosierland Think you're dry? Well, there are many northern & central Indiana farmers who are in the same boat. Here's a look at some fields one editor observed during a visit to northern & central Indiana.

How about South Dakota? South Dakota is called the land of infinite variety, & for good reason. The 2012 growing season has so far shown great differences in soil moisture levels and crop conditions.