Environment & Climate
Summer 2026 was the warmest on record across the United States, NOAA reports
The country recorded its highest seasonal temperatures alongside expanding drought conditions, according to The Hill.
The short version
- NOAA found that meteorological summer 2026 was the hottest in U.S. history, averaging 74.4 degrees Fahrenheit.[The Hill]
- August reached an average temperature of 75.6 degrees, while 59.1 percent of the lower 48 states faced drought by September 1.[The Hill]
- Above-average warmth and expanding drought conditions are forecast to persist through September across several regions.[The Hill]
Key facts
- NOAA announced that meteorological summer 2026 was the warmest on record nationwide, averaging 74.4 degrees.[The Hill]
- August temperatures averaged 75.6 degrees across the United States.[The Hill]
- Drought affected 59.1 percent of the lower 48 states and Washington, D.C., as of September 1.[The Hill]
- Forecasters project above-average temperatures and expanding drought risks across parts of the country into September.[The Hill]
- The Trump administration proposed eliminating funding for NOAA's climate research programs for fiscal year 2026.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- The precise extent to which drought conditions will expand further across the nation and Puerto Rico remains subject to upcoming weather patterns.[The Hill]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.