July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous United States, according to new data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information reported the average temperature across the lower 48 states was 76.9 degrees, which was 3.3 degrees above the 20th-century average. The month narrowly surpassed previous records set during July 1936 and July 2012.
The heat was widespread. Every state in the contiguous U.S. recorded temperatures above its historical July average, and 13 states experienced one of their five warmest Julys on record. Wyoming recorded both its hottest July and hottest month ever measured.
One of the biggest factors behind the record was unusually warm nighttime temperatures. Average overnight lows across the country reached 64.2 degrees, 3.7 degrees above normal and the highest average minimum temperature for any month in NOAA’s 132-year record. Average daytime highs reached 89.5 degrees.
The country was also relatively dry overall. July precipitation averaged 2.55 inches across the contiguous U.S., about a quarter-inch below normal. Despite the national deficit, some areas experienced significant rainfall and flooding during the month.
Drought remained a concern heading into August. As of August 4, approximately 48.5% of the contiguous United States was experiencing drought, with conditions expanding or intensifying across portions of the Plains, West and Upper Midwest.
NOAA’s August outlook favors continued above-average temperatures across much of the central and southern United States, meaning summer heat may continue well beyond July’s record-setting month.
