The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the summer of 2026, spanning June through August, was the warmest in 132 years of record-keeping for the contiguous United States. Globally, August 2026 tied with July 2023 as the hottest month ever recorded, according to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Scientists attributed the record temperatures to human-caused climate change occurring alongside the development of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by abnormally warm Pacific Ocean waters.
In the Lower 48 states, August temperatures averaged 75.6 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing all previous August records. Daytime maximum temperatures reached an average of 88.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and above-average nighttime temperatures were reported across most of the country. According to Copernicus, global temperatures in August averaged 62.53 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
The heat was accompanied by environmental impacts, including drought conditions covering nearly 60% of the U.S. this summer. In Europe, French officials reported thousands of deaths attributed to the heat as Western Europe experienced its warmest summer on record. Francesca Guglielmo, a senior scientist at Copernicus, stated that while the figures follow long-observed trends, they result in consequences such as increased energy demand for cooling and heightened wildfire risks.
On a broader scale, the environmental conditions reported by NOAA and Copernicus affect agricultural sectors and resource management. With nearly 60% of the U.S. under drought conditions this summer, those in farming and ranching face water scarcity and crop stress. The record-high sea surface temperatures in the Pacific and the emerging El Niño pattern also influence global weather systems, which can lead to shifting precipitation patterns and increased wildfire risks. Meteorologist Alexander Gershunov noted that these effects are being felt globally, including in Europe and Japan, rather than being isolated regional events.
Looking ahead, NOAA forecasts indicate that temperatures in September are expected to remain above average. This forecast carries a potential for wildfires across portions of the Northwest and Southern United States. Climate scientists, including Daniel Swain of the University of California, stated that these temperature trends are expected to continue unless there are reductions in fossil fuel emissions. The specific timing for any new mitigation measures or policy changes was not reported, but the immediate focus remains on wildfire monitoring and managing the energy demands of late-season heat.