The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that July 2026 has set a new heat record for the contiguous United States, with the month’s average temperature reaching 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit. This figure surpasses the previous benchmark established during the Dust Bowl summer of July 1936, marking the first time in modern climatological history that the average temperature for a July has exceeded that historic high.
NOAA’s analysis of temperature data across the lower 48 states confirms that the 76.89-degree average represents an unprecedented level of warmth for the month. The agency’s climate monitoring systems compiled observations from a network of weather stations, satellites, and other measurement tools to calculate the national average. The result underscores a clear upward trend in summer heat, aligning with broader patterns of rising temperatures documented in recent decades.
The new record follows a series of increasingly hot summer months that have drawn attention to the nation’s changing climate. While the July 1936 record was associated with severe drought and dust storms, the 2026 reading reflects a different set of conditions, characterized by widespread warmth rather than extreme aridity. Nonetheless, both periods illustrate the capacity of the United States to experience extreme temperature averages.
NOAA’s statement emphasized that the July 2026 average is a statistical milestone, not an isolated incident, and that ongoing climate data continue to show unprecedented warmth across the country. The agency highlighted the importance of tracking such trends to inform public policy, infrastructure planning, and community preparedness for heat-related challenges.
Scientists and policymakers will likely reference the July 2026 data as a benchmark for future climate assessments. The record serves as a reminder of the accelerating pace of temperature change and the need for continued observation and response as the nation confronts a warming climate.