The warmest summer on record: 2026 hit a scorching new high in the US
Temperatures and precipitation are hitting new extremes.
This summer in the United States marked the hottest on record, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Temperatures were 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.67 degrees Celsius) above average, surpassing the previous record set in 2021. August was the hottest month on record, with temperatures 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.94 degrees Celsius) above average.
The Southwest, southern Rockies, southwestern Plains, southern Florida, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado experienced particularly high temperatures. The summer was also one of the driest on record, with drought affecting more than half of the contiguous U.S. by September. Extreme precipitation levels were observed across the country, with some areas experiencing drought while others faced heavy rainfall.
The summer saw a wide range of weather and climate disasters, including wildfires, strong winds, and hurricanes. This infographic highlights some of the extreme weather events that occurred in the U.S. during August 2026.
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