Hottest Summer on Record for the U.S., NOAA Confirms
Hottest Summer on Record for the U.S., NOAA Confirms
US · Published Sep 11, 2026
The United States has experienced its hottest summer on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The average temperature for the meteorological summer (June–August) of 2026 was the warmest in the 132-year record, surpassing previous records set in 1936 and 2021 by 0.4°F.

Impact & Risks

The record-breaking heat has had widespread impacts across the United States. Communities in states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia faced disruptions as public events were canceled to protect residents from heat-related illnesses. The extreme temperatures also posed significant risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Agricultural sectors in affected states may face challenges due to heat stress on crops and livestock. Additionally, the high temperatures have increased the risk of wildfires, particularly in the Southwest and Rockies, where over 1,000 daily heat records were set.

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