US experiences hottest summer on record, NOAA reports

The United States experienced its hottest summer on record in 2026, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Temperatures nationwide averaged 74.4 degrees Fahrenheit from June to August, surpassing the previous record set in 1936 and 2021 by 0.4 degrees. August alone saw temperatures break monthly records, with an average of 75.6 degrees and a daytime high of 88.6 degrees, the warmest recorded average for its kind.

The summer's extreme heat differed significantly from the 20th century patterns, with average temperatures between June and August being 3.5 degrees hotter. August's average was 3 degrees hotter on its own. Most of the contiguous U.S. experienced above- to much-above average temperatures, with only isolated pockets of the Midwest and northern Plains seeing normal conditions.

Record warmth was widespread across the West, Southwest, southern Rockies, southwestern Plains, and southern Florida Peninsula, leading to punishing heat waves, destructive wildfires, and declining water reserves.

California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado all recorded their warmest August temperatures, with California and New Mexico reaching record highs. Even nighttime lows were the highest they had ever been in August across vast sections of the West, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Precipitation rates fell below the 20th century average, with the country receiving 8.11 inches of rain between June and August, 0.21 inches below the average.

While some areas experienced heavy rain, precipitation was generally sparse, with California recording its driest summer since 2002 and its fifth-driest ever. The drought expanded nationwide, covering 59.1% of the U.S. by the start of September, with the Middle West experiencing a further spread of drought, while the Southwest, Southeast, and mid-Atlantic regions saw a weakening of the drought.