cities in the east yet again. washington can hit 100, all adding to the misery for millions. reporter: the signs are everywhere, from rivers running low to city highrises running out of water. from the cornfields to the kitchen sink. this sizzling summer is taking a toll across america. 80% of the country is unusually dry. this year s drought already the largest natural disaster in u.s. history keeps spreading and heat roars keep falling. in chicago where it hit 101, a transformer overheated on this 29-story building struggling with no a.c. or water and only one running elevator. 10% elderly live here and like 45% people have pets. reporter: in burlington, vermont, where the heat wave brought a 93 degree day, farmers scrambled to