July 2026 Becomes Hottest Month on Record in the U.S.
• The United States experienced its hottest month on record in July 2026, with an average temperature of 76.9°F (24.9°C), surpassing the previous records set in July 1936 and July
• According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this figure was 3.3°F (1.8°C) above the 20th-century average. Wyoming recorded its warmest July and warmest month ever, with some areas experiencing temperatures up to 10°F (5.6°C) above normal. Overnight temperatures were particularly extreme, exceeding the July 2022 record by 0.7°F (0.4°C). Globally, sea surface temperatures outside polar regions reached record highs, driven partly by strengthening El Niño conditions. The heat wave also contributed to widespread drought and wildfire risks across the U.S. and Europe. (Source time: Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT)
Impact & Risks
The extreme heat has disrupted daily life, with many residents in Wyoming resorting to purchasing air conditioning units to cope. Nationwide, over 200 all-time temperature records were broken, and July rainfall ranked among the driest third in U.S. history. The heat has exacerbated wildfire risks, with over 100 large wildfires burning across 16 states. Globally, marine heatwaves have impacted ecosystems, and rivers in Western Europe, such as the Seine and Rhine, have seen exceptionally low flows. These conditions pose significant risks to agriculture, water resources, and public health.
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