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US Just Had Its Hottest, Most Unforgiving Summer
newser.com • • nation
Key Points:
- The US experienced its hottest summer on record in 2026, with an average temperature of 74.4°F across the Lower 48 states and DC, surpassing the previous record set in 1936 by 0.4 degrees.
- There were 1,571 record monthly highs compared to only 87 record lows, indicating a significant shift toward extreme heat conditions.
- Nighttime temperatures were notably high, with 133 million Americans living in counties where at least 25% of nights were "extremely hot," and 56.8 million experiencing extreme heat on at least a quarter of days.
- The western US saw early and intense heat, with eight states recording their hottest January–May periods, and states like Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona hitting or tying summer heat records.
- Climate experts warn that ongoing marine heat waves affecting 40% of the world’s oceans and a strong El Niño increase the likelihood that 2027 could become the hottest year globally, highlighting the growing impact of climate change.
