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NOAA Report Designates July 2026 as Hottest Month on Record in United States History
Just the facts
Average temperatures across the contiguous United States reached 3.3 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average, surpassing previous historical record highs established in July 1936 and July 2012. Atmospheric data showed the country experienced three distinct heat dome high-pressure systems during the month, causing extreme temperature spikes across the western states, the Rocky Mountains, the upper Midwest, and the Gulf Coast. Wyoming recorded its warmest July in state history with average temperatures rising 5.1 degrees Fahrenheit above historical norms. Climate scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noted that ongoing El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean and elevated atmospheric greenhouse gases contributed to the nationwide temperature increases.
Why this is news
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published climate data on August 10, 2026, confirming that July 2026 was the hottest month recorded in the contiguous United States since recordkeeping began in 1895.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.