Caution: 'Cruel summer' ahead as gas surge continues

<p>Surging gas and food prices are pointing to a less than ideal summer for most Americans. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of unleaded gas in the United States right now is $4.81. Diesel is currently averaging $5.61 a gallon. As high as this seems, sadly the forecast is only moving toward higher numbers throughout the summer driving season.</p><p>J.P. Morgan is forecasting a national average for a gallon of unleaded gas to hit $6.20 a gallon by Labor Day. Which means the outlook for a fun summer could be bleak as Americans tighten up their budgets and hunker down to compensate for the high cost of gas and food.</p><p>The team at 5 Things sat down with USA TODAY reporter Medora Lee to talk about some of the reasons behind the high gas prices, what could make it worse and if there is an end in sight.</p><p>For more gas price coverage click<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/05/17/why-gas-prices-continue-rise-record/9798086002/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a> including some of Medora's articles click <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/06/01/record-gas-prices-after-eu-ban-russia-oil/7454541001/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/06/01/gas-tax-holiday-arrives-dutchess-another-surge-prices-looms/7469446001/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2022/05/27/plane-tickets-high-prices/9945893002/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p>To learn more about Medora click <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/staff/7321148001/medora-lee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. To contact Medora email her at MJLee@usatoday.com</p><p>To follow James Brown on Twitter, click <a href="https://twitter.com/jamesbrowntv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p>Episode Transcript <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2022/06/05/caution-cruel-summer-ahea