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2026 Summer Smashes US Heat Records
31 Aug
Summary
- Summer 2026 is set to become the hottest on record in the contiguous US.
- Nighttime temperatures broke records, reaching their highest levels ever.
- This summer is also on track to be the most humid on record.
Summer 2026 is on track to shatter temperature records in the contiguous United States, potentially surpassing the Dust Bowl summer of 1936. This year's average temperatures have already exceeded historical norms, marking it as the warmest summer since records began in 1895.
A significant trend this summer has been the record-breaking nighttime temperatures, which have been the highest ever recorded. These warmer nights hinder the body's ability to cool down after hot days, exacerbating the heat's impact.
In addition to the heat, summer 2026 is also anticipated to be the most humid season on record. This increased moisture in the atmosphere, influenced by warmer oceans, contributes to the elevated nighttime temperatures and reinforces global warming through a feedback loop.
While this summer will likely break records for average and nighttime temperatures, it is not expected to reach the extreme daytime highs of 1936. The higher humidity may be tempering daytime heat by increasing evaporation. The Dust Bowl era faced different challenges, including severe drought and land mismanagement, which led to extreme heat and dust storms not seen this year.
