July 2026 Breaks Record as Hottest Month in Contiguous US History
July 2026 Breaks Record as Hottest Month in Contiguous US History
US · Published Aug 11, 2026
July 2026 has officially been recorded as the hottest month in the contiguous United States since records began 132 years ago, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The average temperature across the lower 48 states reached 76.9°F (24.9°C), which is 3.3°F (1.8°C) above the 20th-century average.

Impact & Risks

The extreme heat has heightened health risks, particularly due to elevated nighttime temperatures that prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat stress. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses. The heat has also exacerbated drought and fire conditions across the continental US, consistent with climate change trends. Flash flooding events in areas like eastern New York have caused localized disruptions and property damage. Agricultural impacts and water shortages may also arise from prolonged heat and drought conditions.

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