i'm richard lui in for philip. >> i'm frances rivera. we're exchanging comparison war out there. you have to do it. >> we really need it. much of the nation is in the midst of a dangerous heat wave this morning as the fourth of july holiday approaches. temperatures in the triple digits in areas of the midwest and northeast united states. it is prompting heat warnings and advisories for millions of americans. many heading to the water to beat the heat. >> it wasn't just people that needed to cool off. chicago, for instance, had to hose down one of the city's movable bridges. officials say the extreme heat makes the steel expand, making it impossible to raise and close the bridge to letrly in new yor the clock and trying to beat the heat. >> it's not an easy run in the heat, just brutal today. >> reporter: the temperature, 96 degrees. the hottest it's been this year. in n eedxcessi after three minnesota twins players succumbed to the heat at saturday's matchup against the cubs. >> and he's not indicating any specific body part that's bothering him, so it leads me to believe lighthe