Hottest Summer on Record in the U.S. with Widespread Drought
Hottest Summer on Record in the U.S. with Widespread Drought
US · Published Sep 15, 2026
The summer of 2026 has officially been recorded as the hottest in U.S. history, with temperatures averaging 3°F (1.67°C) above normal, according to NOAA (Source time: 2026-09-14 20:00:00 GMT). This surpasses the previous record set in
The contiguous U.S. experienced extreme heat from June through August, with August alone being 3.5°F (1.94°C) above average. Alongside the heat, the summer was also one of the driest on record, with 59.1% of the country in drought conditions by September. Regions such as the Southwest, southern Rockies, and southern Florida were particularly affected. The season also saw erratic precipitation patterns, ranging from severe droughts to heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

Impact & Risks

The record-breaking heat and drought have had widespread impacts, including increased wildfire risks, reduced agricultural yields, and stress on water resources. Over 75% of Puerto Rico experienced drought, with 40% classified as 'extreme drought.' The dry conditions have also heightened the risk of wildfires, particularly in the West and Alaska. Additionally, the heat has strained infrastructure, such as power grids, and exacerbated health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. The economic toll is expected to be significant, affecting sectors like agriculture, energy, and transportation.

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