U.S. records its hottest summer on file since modern measurements began
The contiguous United States experienced its warmest June-August period on record, with an average temperature of 74.4°F, according to NOAA.
According to one outlet Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the contiguous United States endured its hottest meteorological summer since modern records began, with a mean temperature of 74.4°F (23.6°C). This figure exceeds the prior records from 1936 and 2021 by 0.4°F, and it marks the fourth and fifth hottest summers in 2022 and 2024, respectively. The data underscore a broader warming pattern driven largely by fossil-fuel emissions.
August set a new all-time high since observations started in 1895, averaging 75.6°F, and most of the mainland saw temperatures well above normal, except for near-average conditions in parts of the northern Plains and Midwest. The extreme heat coincides with a strengthening El Niño, projected to intensify global weather extremes and potentially make 2026 the warmest year on record, overtaking 2024.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
How this story developed
- Aug 31 UN warns that a record-breaking El Niño could trigger worldwide extreme weather
- Sep 3 Temperatures will rise to around 27 °C in parts of southern England on Sunday, while rain and wind are expected to return early next week.
- Sep 3 UN says the El Niño is expected to remain in place until February 2027.
- Sep 5 Czech forecasts include a possible rapid temperature rise to around 30 °C early next week.
- Sep 7 Britain announced cuts of more than 80 % to bilateral aid in eight African states.
- Sep 7 UK models show a higher likelihood of stormier, wetter conditions during autumn and winter.
- Sep 9 A brief spell of 27‑28 °C heat is expected in southeast England on Sunday.
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