The first half of 2011 has seen some climaxes in climate change, and the extremity of weather is now revealed in the heat wave.

Half of America has been hit with temperatures exceeding 105-113F (40-45C). The National Weather Service issued heat warnings for 24 states, and temperatures across the nation hit record highs on July 12.

Newark (NJ) temperatures hovered at 99F, Islip, New York at 93F, and John F Kennedy airport in New York at 97F degrees.

The extreme heat wave isn't just an American thing.

Here is a world tour of heat waves.

Click START to begin the slideshow.