cristian benevides reports from miami which is under a heat advisory. >> reporter: the heat wave sending temperatures soaring above 100 across much of the south is affecting humans and animals alike. >> we've lost upwards of ten birds already just in our laying flock, and then we actually had to start prematurely processing some of our meat birds just due to the amount of heat that they're being exposed to. >> reporter: from taking cold showers to seeking refuge in cooling centers, tens of millions of americans are finding ways to cope with july's scorching temperatures. in phoenix, the mercury has hit at least 110 degrees every day this month. the city is on pace for its first month where the average temperature was at least 100 degrees. >> this is the longest heat wave and most intense that phoenix has ever experienced since these records have been kept. so this is not normal. this is abnormal. >> reporter: maricopa county which includes phoenix has confirmed 18 heat-related deaths this year and is investigating 69 others. a new study from an international group of scientists finds the

cristian benevides is in miami beach monitoring water temperatures. >> reporter: in south florida, the water is so hot beachgoers say it's not cooling them off. they say it's like a hot tub. 50 miles south of here in the upper florida keys, water temperatures hit 101.1 degrees. if confirmed, it could be the highest sea surface temperature ever recorded. researchers are worried about the damage to the fragile coral reefs. >> in south florida we lose that protection, that barrier from hurricanes. >> reporter: out atlanta, high school football practices already started for the brookwood broncos. >> it was above 92, then we shut down practice altogether. we go inside. we get in the air conditioning. so our players are safe. >> that was susan elizabeth littlefield reporting. >>> an investigation is now under way in new york city as part of a large construction crane -- after, rather, part of a large construction crane caught fire and crashed to the ground. nine civilians and three firefighters suffered minor injuries yesterday during morning rush hour. officials say the crane was on top of