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U.S. Records Hottest July Ever Amid Heat Domes, Drought

8/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States recorded its hottest July in 2026, averaging 76.9 °F, 3.3 °F above the 20th-century norm and beating July 1936.
NOAA said heat domes trapped hot air over the West, Rockies, Upper Midwest, Gulf Coast and Southeast, intensifying heat.
NOAA warned heat indices of 105–115 °F will affect the Southeast to south-central United States through next week.
About 40 % of the United States and Puerto Rico were in drought at July’s end.

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Story summary

The United States recorded its hottest July in 2026, averaging 76.9 °F, 3.3 °F above the 20th-century norm and beating July 1936.
NOAA said heat domes trapped hot air over the West, Rockies, Upper Midwest, Gulf Coast and Southeast, intensifying heat.
NOAA warned heat indices of 105–115 °F will affect the Southeast to south-central United States through next week.
About 40 % of the United States and Puerto Rico were in drought at July’s end.