US Records Hottest Summer, Surpassing Dust Bowl Era
US Records Hottest Summer, Surpassing Dust Bowl Era
US · Published Sep 11, 2026
The United States has experienced its hottest summer on record, surpassing the infamous Dust Bowl summer of
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average temperature across the contiguous U.S. and Washington, D.C., from June to August 2026 was 74.4°F (23.56°C), breaking the previous record by 0.4°F. This summer also set a record for the highest nighttime lows, with 133 million Americans living in areas where at least 25% of nights were classified as 'extremely hot.' The heat was particularly severe in the western U.S., where states like Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah experienced their hottest summers on record, and Arizona tied its previous record. The data also revealed that four of the six hottest U.S. summers have occurred since 2021, highlighting the accelerating impact of climate change.

Impact & Risks

The record-breaking heat has had widespread impacts across the U.S., affecting millions of residents. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to health risks such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The western states, including Texas, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, faced the brunt of the heat, with significant risks to agriculture, water resources, and energy systems. The record-high nighttime temperatures also posed challenges for cooling and recovery, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

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