U.S. Experiences Hottest July on Record

Why it matters locally: While not specifically highlighted in the NOAA report, Iowa's agricultural sector, particularly corn and soybean crops, is highly susceptible to prolonged periods of extreme heat and drought, which could be exacerbated by record-breaking temperatures across the contiguous U.S.

Washington, D.C. — The contiguous United States registered its hottest July in recorded history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced. The average temperature across the Lower 48 states reached 76.9 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius), surpassing the previous record set in July 1936 by 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit. NOAA's analysis indicated that warmer-than-normal conditions characterized much of the contiguous U.S. during the month. Regions experiencing the most significant heat included the Mountain West, the Southwest, the Northern Plains, and the Southeast. Alaska, however, presented a contrast to the national trend, experiencing cooler-than-average conditions throughout July. This marked a regional deviation from the widespread heat observed across the mainland states.