US | heat More than Half of US in Drought Conditions meet definition in 56% of continental US By John Johnson Posted Jul 5, 2012 7:26 PM CDT Copied John Rohlfing, 38, takes a drink as he works on the construction of his new home in North Aurora, Ill. (AP Photo/Robert Ray) Two stats of note to drive home just how hot it has been and continues to be: Parched earth: Drought conditions now exist in 56% of the continental US, the biggest percentage in the 12 years that records have been kept by the weekly Drought Monitor, reports MSNBC. The heat already is taking a toll on crops. Record heat: Across the US, more than 3,000 temperature records were broken from June 28 through yesterday, according to AccuWeather.com. They include record highs and maximum lows. One example: St. Louis' high of 105 on July Fourth. Read These Next The Reiners murders and arrest have called attention to a 2015 film. More details coming out about the last party the Reiners attended. Rob Reiner's son has been arrested after murder of his parents. Hero who disarmed Australia shooter might lose his arm. Report an error