US Records Hottest Summer Ever; Drought Spreads Across Major Regions

A Broken Heat Record

The US just had its hottest summer in 132 years of recordkeeping, soundly beating the summer of 1936 — during the Dust Bowl era, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). August was also the hottest on record, with an average temperature of 24.2°C (75.6°F).

The record-breaking temperatures have not been isolated to one region. August 2026 and the June-through-August period both set all-time records, and July was the hottest month of any month on record in the US.

Drought and Dry Conditions

By September 1, about 59 percent of the contiguous US was experiencing drought, up more than 10 percentage points in a month. Conditions worsened across parts of the Great Plains, Midwest and South regions, with Texas and Oklahoma receiving less than 30 percent of their usual August rainfall.

The Dust Bowl summer of 1936 has been long regarded as the benchmark of hottest summers in the US, but has now been equaled or eclipsed twice in the past five years thanks to the influence of human-caused climate change. Looking ahead, NOAA expects a warmer-than-usual September across much of the country.

For foreigners relocating to the US, particularly those moving to southern and southwestern states, this extreme weather pattern has real practical implications. Heat-intensive activities may need rescheduling; utilities costs (air conditioning, water) will remain high; and drought may affect local water availability and usage restrictions. Those new to the country should plan for prolonged hot seasons, invest in air conditioning preparation, and stay informed about local drought conditions and water conservation rules—particularly important if moving to Texas, Oklahoma, or southwestern states. Outdoor job seekers and families should factor extreme heat into summer employment plans.

Sources

• CNN — The US just had its hottest summer on record
• Al Jazeera — US records hottest summer in 132 years