ACC News Brief
Climate Science Contiguous United States
July 2026 was the hottest month in the contiguous U.S. record
What happened
NOAA data reported by the Associated Press place the contiguous U.S. average temperature for July 2026 at 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit, about 0.12 degree above the previous July record from 1936. The national record begins in 1895.
Why it matters
A small difference in a nationwide monthly average can represent widespread heat across a very large area. The record is an observation; the broader warming trend raises the odds of extreme heat, while attribution of individual local events requires separate analysis.
What to watch
- NOAA's final state and regional breakdowns, including nighttime temperatures and precipitation.
- Public-health, agricultural, wildfire, water-demand, and grid impacts from persistent heat.
- How independent U.S. temperature datasets compare after quality control and finalization.
Sources & evidence
- July was the hottest month on record for the Lower 48 statesAssociated Press report published August 10, 2026, citing NOAA's U.S. temperature record and July 2026 national average.
- July 2026 was hottest month in U.S. historyAxios reporting published August 10, 2026, providing additional NOAA-based context on the record.
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