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The Commercial Appeal

Summer 2026 was the hottest on record in the US. How hot Tennessee got

Summer 2026 was the hottest on record in the US. How hot Tennessee got

A new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that U.S. heat this summer was a record-breaker. Tennessee had the 14th-hottest summer in the country.

Nashville Tennessean

Summer heat lingers over Nashville, Middle TN breaking records

Summer heat lingers over Nashville, Middle TN breaking records

Meteorological summer may be over but astronomical fall doesn't start until Sept. 22.

The Augusta Chronicle

Doctors Hospital grant boosts Golden Harvest food program

Doctors Hospital grant boosts Golden Harvest food program

Doctors Hospital of Augusta awarded a $25,000 grant to Golden Harvest Food Bank to expand its rural food access program.

The Augusta Chronicle

Augusta sets data center standards after months of debate

Augusta sets data center standards after months of debate

Augusta commissioners approved new rules for data centers to address zoning, noise, and safety for residents.

Heat dome pattern brings twice the usual 100-degree days to some cities

Heat dome pattern brings twice the usual 100-degree days to some cities

A heat dome is driving triple-digit temperatures across the southern U.S., with some cities recording more than twice their typical 100-degree days.

NOAA Confirms Summer 2026 as Hottest on Record in the U.S.

NOAA Confirms Summer 2026 as Hottest on Record in the U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially announced that the summer of 2026 was the hottest on record in the United States. This announcement comes amidst widespread reports of extreme heat across various states, including Florida and North Carolina, where residents have noted unusually high temperatures. The record-breaking heat is being attributed to ongoing climate change, which has led to rising global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. This summer's extreme conditions have sparked conversations about the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies. Source time: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:32:32 GMT.

The Augusta Chronicle

Augusta launches survey to shape future zoning changes

Augusta launches survey to shape future zoning changes

Augusta officials are seeking public input on the city's first major zoning update since 1963 via a new survey.

The Augusta Chronicle

South Carolina receives nearly $33 million from FEMA for Helene repair

South Carolina receives nearly $33 million from FEMA for Helene repair

South Carolina communities get major FEMA boost for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

Waterspout spotted off Hilton Head Island coast

Waterspout spotted off Hilton Head Island coast

A waterspout was observed off the coast of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon. The phenomenon was captured on video by Shore Beach Service and shared publicly. According to the National Weather Service, the waterspout was associated with a cluster of showers in the area. Waterspouts are rotating columns of air and water mist that form over bodies of water, often during unstable weather conditions. This event highlights the dynamic weather patterns along coastal regions, particularly during transitional seasons.

Historic El Niño Develops, Scientists Launch New Research Efforts

Historic El Niño Develops, Scientists Launch New Research Efforts

A potentially historic El Niño is forming along the equator, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a 75% chance that it could surpass the strength of previous events dating back to 1950 (USA Today, 2026). This phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures, is already disrupting global weather patterns. NOAA has deployed four autonomous Saildrone Explorers to the equatorial Pacific to collect data over the next five months. These drones, equipped with advanced meteorological and oceanographic sensors, aim to provide critical insights into the evolving El Niño conditions. Scientists are particularly interested in understanding how El Niño events interact with a warming climate, as this could have profound implications for global weather forecasting and climate science.

Dallas-Fort Worth Experiences Above-Average September Temperatures, Heat Advisory Issued

Dallas-Fort Worth Experiences Above-Average September Temperatures, Heat Advisory Issued

Dallas-Fort Worth is currently experiencing a heat advisory in mid-September, with temperatures significantly above average for this time of year. The week began with temperatures 11 degrees higher than the seasonal norm. This persistent heat follows a trend of extended warm periods, as indicated by recent data suggesting European heatwaves are increasingly stretching into spring and fall. While the immediate focus is on Dallas-Fort Worth, this local phenomenon aligns with broader climate patterns where extreme heat events are becoming more common and expanding their seasonal reach. The continued high temperatures in the region are prompting concerns about the duration of summer-like conditions well into what is typically the autumn season.

2026 Marks Hottest Summer on Record in the U.S.

2026 Marks Hottest Summer on Record in the U.S.

The summer of 2026 has officially been recorded as the hottest in U.S. history, according to NOAA. Temperatures across the contiguous United States rose to 3°F (1.67°C) above the seasonal average of 74.4°F (23.5°C). August alone saw temperatures 3.5°F (1.94°C) above its monthly average, reaching 75.6°F (24.2°C). This summer also ranked as the third driest on record, with precipitation levels 0.32 inches (0.8 cm) below average. By September 1, 59.1% of the country was experiencing drought conditions, with regions such as the Southwest, southern Rockies, and southern Florida facing particularly extreme heat. Puerto Rico also saw significant drought impacts, with 40% of the island in "extreme drought." NOAA attributes these conditions to ongoing climate change driven by human activities.