July 2026: Hottest Month on Record in the U.S., Deadly Heat Impacts Maryland
July 2026 has been confirmed as the hottest month on record in the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 76.9°F (24.9°C), according to NOAA. This surpasses all previous records dating back to 1895. Maryland has experienced its deadliest heat season to date, with 50 heat-related fatalities and over 1,300 heat-related illnesses reported since May. The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to emphasize the importance of the Heat Index, which combines temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels to the human body. However, NOAA's ability to monitor and forecast extreme weather events has been hampered by workforce reductions and funding cuts initiated in 2025, including the scaling back of critical tools like weather balloons. 
