NOAA Confirms Hottest Summer on Record for the U.S., Indiana Among Warm States
• The United States experienced its hottest summer on record during the meteorological summer of 2026 (June–August), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 74.4°F (23.6°C), which is 3.0°F (1.7°C) above the historical average and 0.4°F (0.2°C) higher than the previous records set in 1936 and
• Indiana also experienced above-average temperatures, with an average of 73.1°F (22.8°C) for the summer, ranking it as the 26th hottest state. Additionally, Indiana and Ohio recorded their highest August precipitation levels on record, with central Indiana receiving over 11 inches of rain from August 11–17, causing the White River to reach its highest crest since 1913.
Impact & Risks
The record-breaking heat affected nearly every state in the contiguous U.S., with some states like Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico breaking their own summer temperature records. Indiana saw a 0.6°F (0.3°C) increase above its 20th-century average, while Utah experienced a 5.4°F (3.0°C) rise. The extreme heat was accompanied by significant rainfall in parts of the Midwest, leading to flooding risks. Central Indiana, for instance, recorded 7.33 inches of precipitation in August, the fourth-highest for the month. These conditions pose risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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