2026 has been a record hot year for the U.S.—it can only get worse
So far, this year has been ridiculously hot. If it stays that way, 2026 could set a sobering new record
In an unprecedented year for the United States, 2026 has been the hottest on record, with its first eight months setting a new heat record. If the trend continues, 2026 could potentially be the hottest year ever recorded in the contiguous U.S. since at least 1895. However, whether it will surpass the previous record set in 2024 remains uncertain.
Climate scientists are confident that 2026 will be exceptionally hot, but the exact ranking it will secure in the historical record is still unclear. Regardless, the year has been a stark reminder of the warming trend driven by human-induced climate change, with average temperatures reaching new record levels. While a cooler autumn could prevent the record from being broken, the likelihood of it happening is high.
Scientists warn that even if 2026 doesn't break the record, the country remains at high risk of extreme weather events and other impacts caused by fossil-fueled climate change. Looking ahead, projections suggest that 2027 could be even more destructive due to a brewing super El Niño.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
