The U.S. records its hottest month ever, NOAA says

The contiguous United States set a record for its hottest month ever in July, according to NOAA. Temperatures averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the July 1936 record by an eighth of a degree. While Alaska remained unusually cool, excessive heat affected the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains, and Southeast. The primary driver was record-breaking nighttime lows, which exceeded previous minimums by 0.7 degrees, hindering recovery for people and agriculture across the Lower 48 states.