July 2026 Was Hottest Month On Record For Contiguous U.S.
NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever for the contiguous United States, a new record that underscores rising heat risks nationwide.[1]
NOAA reported a July 2026 average of 76.89°F (24.94°C), topping July 1936 by one-eighth of a degree and setting the new all-time contiguous-U.S. monthly record.[1] The agency said the record was driven largely by record-high nighttime lows, with July minimums surpassing the previous low-temperature record by 0.7°F.[1]
July 1936 held the previous contiguous-U.S. monthly temperature record.[1] Scientists said that unusually warm nighttime lows are a classic signal of human-caused warming, strengthening the view that the July record reflects climate change rather than natural variability.[1]
The record covered most of the Lower 48, with the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains and Southeast experiencing the most excessive heat, while Alaska was unusually cool, and the finding was reported widely by national outlets, including Axios.[2]
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📌 Key Facts
- NOAA’s July 2026 average temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 76.89°F (24.94°C), exceeding July 1936 by one-eighth of a degree and establishing a new all-time record — as reported by NOAA’s July 2026 average temperature.
- The record was driven largely by record-high nighttime low temperatures, with July minimums surpassing the previous record by 0.7°F (record-high nighttime low temperatures).
- NOAA highlighted that unusually hot conditions covered most of the Lower 48, with the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains and Southeast seeing the most excessive heat, while Alaska was unusually cool (Lower 48).
- Scientists emphasized that hotter nights are a classic indicator of human-caused climate change, reinforcing the interpretation of the July 2026 record (hotter nights).
- PBS News reported these findings on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 1:03 PM Central.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- NOAA’s July 2026 average temperature figure for the contiguous U.S. is 76.89°F (24.94°C), which exceeds July 1936 by one-eighth of a degree, confirming the new all-time record.
- The article specifies that the record was driven largely by record-high nighttime low temperatures, with July minimums surpassing the previous record by 0.7°F.
- NOAA highlights that unusually hot conditions covered most of the Lower 48, with the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains and Southeast seeing the most excessive heat, while Alaska was unusually cool.
- Scientists emphasize that hotter nights are a classic indicator of human-caused climate change, reinforcing the interpretation of the July 2026 record.