The contiguous United States experienced its warmest June-August on record in 2026, according to data from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information. The average temperature during the three-month period surpassed the previous highest mark in the agency's 132-year temperature record.
The exceptional heat accompanied below-normal precipitation across wide areas, sustaining widespread drought that now covers nearly half the country, NOAA said. The extreme conditions fueled a destructive wildfire season that sent unhealthy levels of smoke through large parts of the nation.
Major western reservoirs experienced significant declines. Lake Mead and Lake Powell both hit all-time record lows during the period, NOAA reported.
Looking ahead, NOAA said a potentially historically strong El Niño event is likely to develop through the fall and winter, which typically increases chances of wetter conditions in the Southern U.S. and warmer conditions in the Northern U.S. Flash drought continues to worsen in the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi River Basin, the agency said.