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US Summer Sizzles: Hottest on Record!
15 Sep
Summary
- Summer 2026 marked the hottest on record for the US.
- Record temperatures were 3 degrees Fahrenheit above average.
- Over half the country faced drought by September 2026.
The contiguous United States endured its hottest summer on record in 2026, with temperatures soaring 3 degrees Fahrenheit above the seasonal average. This record-breaking heatwave, which surpassed the previous high set in 2021, extended across the nation from June through August.
Alongside the extreme heat, the summer of 2026 was also one of the driest recorded. Precipitation levels fell 0.32 inches below average, making it the third driest summer since 2000. By September 1, 2026, nearly 60% of the country was experiencing drought conditions, particularly in the West and Midwest.
The intensification of climate change, driven by human activities, is directly linked to these worsening weather patterns. This summer saw a range of climate-related disasters, including significant wildfires in Washington and Nevada, and powerful winds in South Dakota. Hurricane Lala also impacted Hawaii with severe winds, rain, and flooding.
