July Shatters U.S. Heat Record, Scientists Cite Fossil Fuels
The contiguous United States experienced its hottest month on record in July, with an average temperature of 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the previous record set in July 1936 during the Dust Bowl era. This record heat was widespread across the…
Cleveland Akron, OH, August 10, 2026 —
July 2023 has been declared the hottest month on record for the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit. This figure surpasses the previous record set in July 1936, a period often associated with the Dust Bowl.
The intense heat was not confined to a single region but was widespread across the Lower 48 states. Particularly affected areas include the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains, and Southeast. This broad impact indicates a significant departure from typical summer temperatures across a large portion of the country.
Scientists analyzing the data attribute this record-breaking heat to the ongoing burning of fossil fuels. A key characteristic noted in the recent heatwaves is the occurrence of hotter nights. This trend of nights failing to cool down significantly is identified as a marker of human-caused climate change.
The average temperature of 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit recorded in July represents a notable increase, exceeding the previous record and highlighting a potentially shifting climate pattern. The designation of July 2023 as the hottest month on record provides a clear data point in the ongoing discussion about global temperature trends and their causes.
Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.news5cleveland.com, see more information here.
