This past summer was the hottest on record in the United States, according to a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The average temperature was 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.67 degrees Celsius) above the historical norm, surpassing the previous record set in 2021, which was only 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.22 degrees Celsius) above average. August was the hottest month on record, with temperatures reaching 75.6 degrees Fahrenheit (24.2 degrees Celsius), or 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.94 degrees Celsius) above the average. Much of the contiguous U.S. experienced temperatures significantly above normal from June through August, with regions such as the Southwest, southern Rockies, Plains, Florida, and the West Coast seeing the most extreme heat. In addition to the extreme heat, this summer was also one of the driest on record for the contiguous U.S. By September, more than half of the country was experiencing drought conditions. Total precipitation was 0.32 inches (0.8 centimeters) below the average, making this the third driest summer on record and the driest since the year 2000. By September 1, 59.1% of the country was in some stage of drought, with the most severe conditions in the West, upper Midwest, and Deep South. Puerto Rico also faced significant drought, with over 75% of the island in drought conditions and 40% in "extreme drought," which refers to the most severe level of water shortage. NOAA's report highlights that the ongoing drought is expected to continue, increasing the risk of wildfires. In August 2026, fires broke out over 10,000 acres in eastern Washington, spreading into Oregon. Additional fires were reported in Nevada and Alaska, while powerful wind gusts, reaching up to 111 miles per hour (178.6 kilometers per hour), swept through South Dakota. A heatwave brought sweltering temperatures to south Florida, and Hurricane Lala caused intense winds, heavy rain, and flooding in Hawaii. The combination of extreme heat and dry conditions has created a challenging environment for ecosystems, agriculture, and communities across the nation. These conditions not only threaten natural resources but also increase the likelihood of wildfires, which can have far-reaching impacts on public safety and the environment. Scientists continue to monitor these trends to better understand their long-term implications and to support preparedness efforts.