really gripped much of the country throughout july. tonight some good news. triple digit temperatures that have scorched the southwest are expected to ease this week, but not just yet. today phoenix, arizona, had its 31st consecutive day of the mercurury topping 110 dedegrees. in the northeast, a storm broke the heat but it was fierce. despite hurricane-force winds, this guard at the tomb of the unknowns at the arlington national cemetery never broke stride. cbs s reed cowan leads us off tonight with more on that. reed, good evening. reporter: good evening, jericka. all right. july is on the brink of breaking a world weather record for punishing heat that has gripped much of the nation. a dangerous heat dome punishing the nation. the last week of july, testing the mettle of millions. it s miserable. i work outside so it s even worse. reporter: in denver, 90-degree days made for long nights for mom amanda.