Contiguous US breaks record for hottest month ever in July
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IN SHORT
July 2023 became the hottest month on record for the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit. This surpasses the previous record set in July 1936. Simultaneously, Western Europe recorded its hottest June-July period, with an average temperature of 21.62C, breaking the 2022 record. Scientists attribute these extreme heat events to human-caused climate change, noting that soil moisture in Western Europe is significantly lower than during the 2022 drought. The heatwaves in the US impacted electricity bills, travel, and outdoor activities for millions.
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Key Numbers
76.89average temperature in contiguous US in July
1936year of previous contiguous US hottest month record
21.62Caverage temperature in Western Europe June-July
2022year of previous Western Europe June-July record
Who's Involved
Scientists
attributing extreme heat to human-caused climate change
European Union's climate monitor
noting lower soil moisture in Western Europe
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Key facts
The contiguous United States experienced its hottest month on record in July.
The average temperature in the contiguous US in July was 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit.
The previous record for the hottest month in the contiguous US was set in July 1936.
Western Europe recorded its hottest June-July period on record.
The average temperature in Western Europe for June-July was 21.62 degrees Celsius.
The previous record for Western Europe's hottest June-July was set in 2022.
Soil moisture in Western Europe is significantly lower than during the 2022 drought.
Scientists attribute the extreme heat to human-caused climate change.
US heatwaves impacted electricity bills, travel plans, and outdoor activities.
The contiguous United States experienced its hottest month ever recorded in July, with an average temperature of 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit. This new record surpasses the previous hottest month, which was July 1936. Scientists have attributed this extreme heat to human-caused climate change.
In parallel, Western Europe has set a new temperature record for the combined June-July period. The average temperature reached 21.62 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. The European Union's climate monitoring service reported that soil moisture levels in Western Europe are significantly lower this year compared to the last severe drought in 2022, indicating intensifying climate change effects.
The record-breaking heatwaves across the United States in July had tangible impacts on daily life. Millions of Americans faced increased electricity bills due to higher demand for cooling. Travel plans were disrupted, and outdoor activities were curtailed for many as the extreme temperatures persisted. The scientific consensus points to human-induced climate change as the primary driver behind these escalating heat events.
↳ Why This Matters
The contiguous United States experienced its hottest month ever recorded in July, with an average temperature of 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit. This new record surpasses the previous hottest month, which was July 1936. Scientists have attributed this extreme heat to human-caused climate change.
Frequently asked questions
The average temperature in the contiguous United States in July was 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit (24.94 degrees Celsius).
The previous record for the hottest month was set in July 1936, during the Dust Bowl era.
Scientists attribute the extreme heat, particularly the hotter nights, to human-caused climate change, with a potential supporting role from the El Niño climate pattern.
Nighttime low temperatures smashed the old record for hottest minimums by 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Happens Next
01Continued monitoring of global and regional temperature trends.
02Further analysis of El Niño's impact on weather patterns.
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