Contiguous U.S. records its hottest summer in 132 years of data

The contiguous United States experienced its warmest meteorological summer in a record stretching back to 1895, NOAA reported on September 9. The June–August average was 74.4°F, exceeding the previous summer records by 0.4°F.

August was also the warmest on record, averaging 75.6°F. California, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado each recorded their warmest August average temperature.

Rainfall varied sharply by region. Parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley were much wetter than average, while broad areas of the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley were much drier. Drought covered 59.1% of the contiguous U.S. on September 1.

The report describes historical observations, rather than a local weather warning. NOAA scheduled a more detailed August climate report for September 14.