July 2026 will go down in American history as a month when the heat reached unprecedented levels. According to NOAA, the contiguous United States experienced its hottest month ever recorded, with an average temperature of 76.9°F. The record goes back to 1895, meaning more than 130 years of temperature data were surpassed by one extraordinary month.
The heat was widespread, with every state in the Lower 48 experiencing temperatures above its 20th-century July average. Multiple heat waves and persistent heat domes pushed temperatures to dangerous levels across much of the country, affecting everything from outdoor activities and travel to energy use and agriculture. Places across the West, Rockies, Plains, South and East experienced particularly intense stretches of extreme heat.
A record-breaking July like this is more than just an uncomfortable summer story—it is another reminder that extreme heat is becoming an increasingly important part of America’s climate story. While weather naturally varies from year to year, scientists say human-caused climate change is increasing the likelihood and intensity of extreme heat events. As summer continues, July 2026 stands as a striking example of just how hot the United States can become.
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