The U.S. just had its hottest summer on record, NOAA says
Summary
The United States experienced its hottest summer ever recorded, with temperatures averaging 74.4 degrees Fahrenheit between June and August 2026. Many parts of the country faced extreme heat, drought, and lower than average rainfall, especially in the West and Southwest.Key Facts
- The average summer temperature was 74.4°F, the highest since records began 132 years ago.
- August 2026 had an average temperature of 75.6°F and a daytime high average of 88.6°F, both record highs.
- Summer 2026 was about 3.5 degrees hotter than the 20th century average summer temperature.
- Record warmth was widespread in the West, Southwest, southern Rockies, and parts of Florida.
- California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado all had their warmest August temperatures on record.
- Nighttime low temperatures were also at record highs in several Western states.
- Average rainfall from June to August was slightly below the 20th century average, with some areas like California experiencing very dry conditions.
- Drought affected over 59% of the U.S. by early September, spreading further into central regions.
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