Contiguous U.S. Records Hottest Month Ever in July, NOAA Reports
The contiguous United States experienced its hottest month on record in July 2026, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature across the Lower 48 states reached 76.89°F (24.94°C), surpassing the previous record set during the Dust Bowl in July 1936 by 0.125°F. NOAA highlighted that nighttime lows, critical for recovery from daytime heat, also set a record, exceeding the previous minimums by 0.7°F. While Alaska experienced cooler-than-average conditions, the Lower 48 states saw widespread heat, with the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains, and Southeast regions experiencing the most extreme temperatures. NOAA attributed the record-breaking heat to human-induced climate change, emphasizing the role of burning fossil fuels in driving these conditions.