2026 Marks Hottest U.S. Summer on Record
2026 Marks Hottest U.S. Summer on Record
US · Published Sep 11, 2026
The summer of 2026 has officially been declared the hottest on record for the contiguous United States (CONUS), according to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).
Meteorological summer, spanning June through August, saw an average temperature of 74.4°F (23.6°C), surpassing previous records set in 1936 and 2021 by 0.4°F (0.2°C).

Impact & Risks

The record-breaking heat has had widespread impacts across the United States. Drought conditions intensified in the southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and Deep South, affecting agriculture and water resources. Conversely, Hawaii saw heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over 43 inches due to Hurricane Lala. The extreme heat has also raised concerns about public health, particularly in states like California, Nevada, and New Mexico, which recorded their warmest August temperatures. Additionally, the persistent El Niño pattern has suppressed Atlantic hurricane activity, altering typical seasonal weather patterns.

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