US Records Hottest Summer in 132 Years, NOAA Reports
• The United States has experienced its hottest summer since record-keeping began 132 years ago, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). From June through August 2026, the average temperature across the contiguous U.S. was 23.6°C (74.4°F), which is 1.7°C (3°F) above the 20th-century average and 0.2°C (0.4°F) higher than the previous record set in 1936 and
• August 2026 also set a new record as the hottest August, with an average temperature of 24.2°C (75.6°F). This trend is part of a broader pattern of global warming, largely attributed to the burning of fossil fuels. The summer also saw widespread drought, with 59% of the contiguous U.S. experiencing dry conditions by September 1, a 10% increase from the previous month.
Impact & Risks
The record-breaking heat has had significant impacts across the United States. Drought conditions worsened in regions such as the Great Plains, Midwest, and South, with Texas and Oklahoma receiving less than 30% of their usual August rainfall. Conversely, states like Indiana and Ohio experienced their wettest August on record, with double the typical rainfall. The strengthening El Niño weather phenomenon, which is expected to persist into early 2027, could exacerbate extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and flooding. NOAA also warns of an elevated risk of significant wildfires in the Northwest, Midwest, and South.
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