Hays ? The mercury’s rising and records are falling as the heat wave tightens its grip on Kansas.

The Hays Daily News reports that extreme drought now covers two-thirds of the state.

Norton’s high of 118 on June 28 broke the previous high of 113 set three days earlier.

The newspaper said Cedar Bluff hit 110 on June 26 and 29, tying the old record set June 15, 2003. Colby had a high of 113 on June 28.

Oakley hit 111 on June 25 and 28, matching the previous June 11, 1954, high.

High temperatures of 110 or above are becoming the new normal for many towns. But as the temperatures rise, water levels at rivers and streams in the northwest part of the state are falling.