Contiguous U.S. Registers Hottest July on Record, NOAA Reports

Why it matters locally: Higher temperatures can exacerbate drought conditions across New Mexico, impacting water resources critical for agriculture and public consumption. Increased wildfire risk is also a significant concern for the state's forests and communities.

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The contiguous United States recorded its warmest July ever, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced. This marks a new temperature record for the month across the lower 48 states. NOAA, the federal agency responsible for monitoring climate and weather patterns, compiled the data that established this new benchmark. The agency's analysis focused on temperature readings collected throughout July across the 48 adjacent states. This specific finding identifies July as the hottest month on record for the defined geographic area. NOAA officials confirmed the new high for this period.