The contiguous United States sweltered through July as the hottest month on record, averaging 76.89°F (24.94°C) across the Lower 48, surpassing the 1936 July mark by about 0.13°F.

NOAA ties the extreme heat to climate-change trends, including notably warmer nights, with implications for health and agriculture.

NOAA data show notable rainfall deficits across the Florida Peninsula and parts of Texas, contributing to water scarcity despite pockets of rainfall.

Policy directions are criticized for leaning toward fossil fuels, including reopening coal plants and reliance on gas-powered AI data centers, which could worsen emissions.

Forecasts warn of a potentially record-strong El Niño this year, following recent decades that have seen some of the hottest years on record.

Predictions remain probabilistic and impacts will vary by region, with ongoing monitoring emphasized over the coming months.

Analyses indicate the biggest effects will arise from jet-stream shifts and atmospheric circulation, elevating drought risk in some areas and heavy rainfall in others.

Regions at higher risk of extreme rainfall or drought through October span large parts of the U.S., the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, parts of Asia, and the Pacific.

East Coast hurricane activity remains a concern, with potential tropical impacts from Atlantic storms and remnants affecting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast later in the season.

CSI methodology uses ERA5 and ACIS data from 192 U.S. cities, with regions defined by NOAA climate regions to assess impacts.

New York’s first measurable snow is unlikely until fall for most areas, with higher elevations near the Great Lakes possibly seeing snow in late October.

Meteorologists warn this could be among the cooler years we’ll see for a long time, urging rapid fossil-fuel reductions and increased adaptation funding.