NOAA Sees Above-Normal Summer Heat Across Most of U.S. Through September 2026
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 20
NOAA Sees Above-Normal Summer Heat Across Most of U.S. Through September 2026
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 20
Summary
NOAA’s June 18 outlook projects above-normal temperatures for most of the United States in July, August and September, with Oregon and Washington showing the highest odds of hotter-than-normal conditions.
The forecast shows little overall precipitation change versus 1991-2020 averages, though Southern California, Utah and Arizona and parts of nearby Mountain West states are expected to be wetter than average.
That added rainfall could aid drought-hit, wildfire-prone areas, but forecasters say monsoon moisture and one to two east Pacific tropical storms may also shift risks from early-season fire to late-summer flooding.
AccuWeather still expects above-average fall fire danger in the Northwest as warmer, drier conditions persist, while drought may intensify in the northern Rockies and flooding risk extends from northern Texas into the Midwest.