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Contiguous US breaks its record for hottest month ever, NOAA says
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States, averaging 76.89°F (24.94°C), surpassing the previous record set in July 1936 during the Dust Bowl.
- The extreme heat was most pronounced in the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains, and Southeast regions, while Alaska experienced cooler than normal temperatures.
- Nighttime temperatures set a new record for the hottest minimums, increasing by 0.7 degrees, which is significant as warmer nights hinder recovery from daytime heat and are linked to human-caused climate change.
- The record-breaking heat highlights ongoing climate trends and raises concerns for public health and agriculture due to the inability to cool down during nighttime.
