• The United States had its hottest summer on record since 1895.
• Average temperature from June to August was 74.4°F (23.6°C).
• August 2026 set a new temperature record with 75.6°F (24.2°C).
• 59% of the contiguous U.S. was experiencing drought by September 1.
• The strengthening El Niño may exacerbate future temperatures and weather extremes.

The United States just experienced its hottest summer on record, according to L’Humanité, Al Jazeera, and CBS News. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that average temperatures from June through August reached **74.4°F (23.6°C)**, surpassing previous records set in 1936 and 2021 by **0.4°F**.

The month of August was particularly notable, as it became the hottest month on record with average temperatures of **75.6°F (24.2°C)**, contributing significantly to the summer's extreme heat, as detailed by L’Humanité and Al Jazeera. Four of the five hottest summers recorded in the U.S. have occurred within the last five years, underscoring a persistent trend affected by human-induced climate changes.

This year, **59%** of the contiguous United States was experiencing drought by September, with significant deterioration in conditions reported in Texas and Oklahoma, as highlighted by Al Jazeera and CBS News. While regions like Indiana and Ohio received record precipitation, many areas faced severe drought conditions that have worsened since August, contributing to an alarming climate outlook.

The ongoing **El Niño** phenomenon is expected to exacerbate these trends, potentially resulting in even more intense heat and extreme weather, according to L’Humanité and Al Jazeera. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that this pattern could lead to consequences globally, including heightened risks of drought and flooding.