July 2026 Becomes Hottest Month Ever Recorded in the U.S.
July 2026 has been confirmed as the hottest month ever recorded in the United States, with an average temperature 3.3°F (1.8°C) above the 20th-century average. This surpasses previous records set in July 1936 and July 2012. The month was marked by three separate heat dome events, leading to extreme temperatures across the western U.S., the Rockies, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast. Wyoming experienced its hottest July on record, with temperatures 5.1°F above average. The heat was accompanied by widespread wildfire activity, fueled by dry conditions and exacerbated by the human-caused climate crisis. The elevated temperatures have also impacted daily life, with many Americans reporting disruptions to travel, outdoor activities, and increased electricity bills.