July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous United States, as repeated heatwaves pushed temperatures beyond previous records dating back to 1895. Scientists said the extraordinary conditions were being intensified by the human-caused climate crisis, driven primarily by emissions from burning coal, oil and gas.
A 132-year record broken
The average temperature across the lower 48 states reached 76.9°F, or 24.9°C, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That was 3.3°F, equivalent to 1.8°C, above the 20th-century average.
July surpassed the previous monthly records established during the Dust Bowl in 1936 and another exceptionally hot summer in 2012. The latest figure was approximately 0.1°F to 0.2°F higher than those earlier records.
Every state in the contiguous US recorded temperatures at least 1°F above its historical July average. Thirteen states experienced one of their five hottest Julys since records began.
Three heat domes cover the country
Much of the country was affected by three separate heat dome events. These develop when slow-moving high-pressure systems trap hot air over an area, preventing cooler weather from moving in and allowing temperatures to build over several days.
Extreme heat spread across the interior West, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast were also exposed to prolonged periods of dangerous heat and humidity.
Wyoming experienced its hottest July and hottest month on record, with temperatures 5.1°F above average. The state’s monthly temperature was 0.9°F higher than its previous July record, established in 2007.
Hot nights increase health risks
The record was driven not only by high daytime temperatures but also by unusually warm nights. Average maximum temperatures reached 89.5°F, while the average overnight minimum was 64.2°F.
Night-time temperatures were 3.7°F above average, making July the warmest month on record for minimum temperatures. Persistently hot nights are particularly dangerous because they prevent the body from recovering after daytime exposure.
The elderly, young children, outdoor workers and people with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable. High overnight temperatures also place sustained pressure on electricity systems as air-conditioning demand remains elevated around the clock.
Heat compounds fires and drought
Almost half of the contiguous US was experiencing drought by early August. Dry vegetation and extreme temperatures increased wildfire risks across the Northwest, Great Basin, Rocky Mountains and parts of the Plains.
Large fires in Canada and the US Pacific Northwest sent smoke across extensive areas, exposing millions of people to unhealthy air. Although national rainfall was below average, some areas experienced destructive flash flooding, including parts of Texas and eastern New York.
Climate crisis amplifies extreme conditions
Heatwaves occurred before industrialisation, but scientists have established that human-generated greenhouse gases are raising average temperatures and making extreme heat more frequent, intense and persistent.
A warmer atmosphere also increases evaporation, drying soils and vegetation more rapidly. These conditions can worsen drought and create environments in which wildfires spread more easily.
The consequences are becoming increasingly visible in American households. Surveys indicate that almost half of Americans experienced a major increase in electricity costs because of the heat, while around 40% changed travel plans. Outdoor activities and exercise were also disrupted for millions.
With above-average temperatures forecast across much of the country during August, the July record is unlikely to represent an isolated event. Unless global emissions decline substantially, scientists expect heat records to continue being broken as the planet warms.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 11 August 2026
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