Contiguous US breaks its record for hottest month ever, NOAA says
KENSINGTON, Maryland (AP) — The contiguous United States set a record for its hottest month ever in July, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last month averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius) across…
The contiguous United States recorded its hottest month ever in July, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last month's average temperature across the Lower 48 states was 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius), surpassing the Dust Bowl's July 1936 by just 0.08 degrees. While Alaska experienced unusually cool conditions, hotter-than-normal weather dominated the Lower 48, with the most extreme heat in the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains, and Southeast.
The primary contributor to the heatwave was the record-breaking nighttime lows, which shattered the previous record for hottest minimums by 0.7 degrees, as reported by NOAA. Scientists attribute the hotter nights to human-induced climate change. The AP's climate and environmental reporting benefits from financial support from various private foundations, but AP remains accountable for all content.
Science writer Seth Borenstein covers climate change, disasters, physics, and other science topics for the AP, based in Washington, D.C.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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