Summer 2026 Sets Record as Hottest in U.S. History
Summer 2026 Sets Record as Hottest in U.S. History
US · Published Sep 10, 2026
The summer of 2026 has officially been declared the hottest on record for the contiguous United States, according to NOAA.
The average temperature for meteorological summer (June–August) reached 74.4°F (23.6°C), surpassing the previous records set in 1936 and 2021 by 0.4°F (0.2°C).

Impact & Risks

The extreme heat affected millions across the United States, particularly in the East Coast, Midwest, and Colorado River Basin. Events such as parades and fireworks were canceled due to dangerous heat indices exceeding 110°F (43.3°C). States like Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico experienced record-breaking temperatures, exacerbating drought conditions and impacting water reservoirs. The persistent high nighttime temperatures posed additional risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those without access to air conditioning.

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