US records hottest month ever as July heat shatters 132-year-old record

The United States has experienced its hottest month on record in July, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature across the Lower 48 states during the month was 76.89F (24.94C), a significant 3.3F (1.8C) above the 20th-century average. This surpasses the previous record set in July 1936 by a narrow margin, during a time of severe drought and extreme heat.

The record-breaking heat was driven by three major heat dome events that trapped hot air over large areas, resulting in prolonged periods of extreme temperatures. Every state in the Lower 48 recorded at least a 1F (0.6C) increase in their July average compared to the 20th-century average. Wyoming had its hottest July on record, with temperatures 5.1F above normal.

The severity of the heat is consistent with the effects of human-driven climate change, making extreme heat more frequent, longer-lasting, and intense. Rising overnight temperatures, which exceeded previous records by 0.7F, were particularly dangerous as they prevented the body from cooling down. The extreme conditions led to widespread wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, affecting large parts of North America.

The heat took a toll on daily life, with many Americans experiencing higher electricity bills, disrupted travel plans, and changes to family outdoor activities.