The 2010 heat wave: 7 excruciating climate records

This year is on pace to become the hottest since record-keeping began more than a century ago. Cruel summer weather caused massive droughts in Thailand and Israel, and killed hundreds in India. Russia's worst heat wave in 130 years sparked deadly wildfires and left thousands dead across the country. Some scientists have called the mercury-busting highs the "best evidence yet" for global warming. Are they right? Here is a look at some of the record-breaking temperatures from across the globe:

1. An all-time record high in Los Angeles
97 degrees is nothing compared to September 28. That day, downtown L.A.